Donna J. Rydel

Donna Joan Rydel May 28, 1943- June 28, 2026

Services for Donna will take place on Thursday July 9th at Palos Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 South Southwest Highway Palos Hills Illinois 60465. Visitation 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM. 10:15 AM chapel prayers before leaving in procession to St. Linus Catholic Church, 10300 Lawler Avenue Oak Lawn Illinois 60453, for 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Donna will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Norbert at Fairmount Willow Hills Memorial Park of Willow Springs.

Donna J. Rydel (nee Striegel), formerly of Chicago (Brighton Park) and Oak Lawn, Illinois. Beloved wife of the late Norbert C. Rydel, Sr. Devoted mother of the late Norbert C. Rydel, Jr. Born in 1943, Donna was the youngest of seven children, and spent her teenage years in Ottawa, Illinois. She moved back to Chicago, where she met her husband, Norb, while working at Sears Roebuck and Company. Throughout her life, Donna enjoyed roller skating, bowling, singing, crafts, playing cards, and board games. She was a lifelong, avid Cubs fan. Donna loved music and sang in her parish choirs. She was an excellent cook and baker, especially known for the delicious, beautifully decorated cut-out sugar cookies she made for holidays and parties. And she made the best baked beans in the whole world. Despite many sorrows and obstacles, Donna was always spirited, cheerful, and positive. She showed her younger relatives you could dance a mean hand-jive even in a wheelchair. She was a devout Catholic, believing firmly in faith and the power of prayer. She will be dearly missed by her many relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society).

For information Please call or text Michael Orrico @ 815/260-0668