Darlene Gedraitis

Darlene Gedraitis

Age 79 of Wilmington, formerly of Oak Lawn, died Monday, March 27, 2023 at Morris Hospital.

Born April 19, 1943 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Darlene was the daughter of Charles Ludwig and Velda (Phillips) Griner. She was raised and educated in Indianapolis and graduated from Ben Davis High School with the Class of 1961. Darlene moved from Indianapolis to the Chicagoland area in 1975, which she would call home for the majority of her adult life.

As a young woman she taught accordion and piano lessons and worked as a bartender for several establishments over the years, most recently at TR’s Pub in Chicago. Darlene loved her job and having great conversations with her customers. She enjoyed going to flea markets and craft shows or just going to the local Dollar General. Pictures and taking family photos were especially important to Darlene as a way to capture what was most important to her, her family. She was a proud grandma a great grandma and loved spoiling all of her grandchildren. Darlene made countless care packages to send to her family and shared her love of food with her family as her way to express her affection for them. She will be remembered fondly as a woman who always put her family’s needs before her own.

Survivors include her husband, Edward Gedraitis, whom she married on May 29, 1993 in Alsip; one son, Michael (Angela) Towe of Braidwood, and two step sons: Nick (Lisa) Gedraitis of Evergreen Park and Matt (Marissa) Gedraitis of Chicago; six grandchildren: Tiffany (Tommy) Plunkett of Braidwood, Christina (Joe) Bush of Godley, Cheyenne Towe of Braidwood, Mae Gedraitis of Evergreen Park, and Jake and Lanie Gedraitis, both of Chicago; three great grandchildren: Brody, Ahriana, and Ella; two brothers: Gary Wayne Ludwig of Indianapolis, Indiana and Randy Layne (Valerie) Ludwig of Greensburg, Indiana; and two nieces: Jaime and Bethany.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Ludwig and Velda Griner; and one brother in infancy.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A private family burial will be held at Saint Casimir Catholic Cemetery in Chicago.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Darlene’s memory to American Humane or to American Lung Association.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Darlene’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.