Obituary: Dorothy Olejniczak

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Dorothy Olejniczak (nee Zyla) , age 98 of Crest Hill, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, surrounded by the love of her children.

She was born on October 1, 1927, a daughter of the late Mary and Peter Zyla, in Joliet, where she was raised, educated, and remained to raise her own beautiful family. She was married to her late husband, Norbert Olejniczak for 42 years.

Dorothy was a devoted and hardworking woman who found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved to dance at the Croatian Cultural Club and looked forward to St. Joseph’s picnics. She had a deep appreciation for Country music as well as Polka music. Known for her strong work ethic, she took pride in keeping a clean home and preparing meals for those she loved. Dorothy was always impeccably dressed, with her clothing neatly pressed and perfectly put together, reflecting the care she brought to everything she did. Above all, she cherished her family and found her greatest happiness in being present for her children and grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Dorothy is survived by her loving children, Stephen N. (Carol) Olejniczak of Shorewood, IL, and Mary Lou (Andrew) Krall of Deptford, NJ: devoted grandchildren, Lori Ann (Dave) Wittkofski, Stephen M. Oleniczak, Gregory (AnnaMaria) Sari, Andrea (Raymond) Deal, Michelle (James) Ellis, and Andrew (Marlene) Krall; adoring great-grandchildren, Madison and Mason Wittkofski, Nikolas, Carter, and Noah Sari, Christian and Rocco Deal; Kira and Lily Ellis, and A.J. and Ethan Krall; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband; her parents; her siblings, Catherine (Matt) Strahia, Joseph (Eileen) Zyla, Thomas Zyla, Michael Zyla, Paul (Russiel) Zyla, and Caroline (Bernard) Olejniczak; and her in-laws, Stella (Stanley) Semplinski, Joseph (Vera) Olejniczak, Ignatius Olejniczak, Lucille (Peter) Semplinski, and Rose (Rolla) Tolbert.

Visitation for Dorothy Olejniczak will take place at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, in Joliet, IL, on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. An additional visitation will take place Saturday, January 24, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet, IL.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com, where those wishing to honor Dorothy are encouraged to share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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