Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Charles Zulanas Obituary
Zulanas, Sr., Charles J. age 94, of Flossmoor, IL and Highland Beach, Florida, and formerly of South Holland, IL., passed away Thursday, July 3, 2008 at home. He is survived by his devoted fiancee and best friend Joan Wolf Melling. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Stella (nee Alisauskas), to whom he was married for 52 years. He is also preceded in death by his daughters Frances (late Jack) Wertelka and Stella Ann (late Leonard) Kubas, sons Chuck Jr. (Katherine) and Joseph, and grandchildren Ray (Patricia) Zulanas, Henry (Jan) Kubas, Christine (George) Klementzos, brother George (late Bernice) Zulanas Sr. and sister Julie (late Anthony) Langes. He is survived by loving grandchildren Bruce and Keith (Janet) Wertelka, Karen Kubas, Denise Kubas-Longo, Chuck III (Laura), Tom (Katie), Dennis, Steve (Janine), Joe (Julie), and Alan (Lisa) Zulanas, Rich (Jenny) Seddon, Cathy (Dan) Ruiz, sister-in-law Loretta (Joe) Myers, dear friend Barbara Murphy and many great-grandchildren, friends, nieces and nephews. Mr. Zulanas, fondly known as "Gramps" of "Boss", was raised in Chicago's Marquette Park and Bridgeport areas. He started his career as a beer distributor in 1941, first selling Tavern Pale and Meister Brau in Chicago and Blue Island. He built a warehouse and moved his operations to South Holland in the early 1960's and later to Park Forest, IL. The Zulanas family also opened distributorships in Denver. Colorado Springs and Pueblo, Colorado. Charley was born July 8, 1913. He is an Honorary Life member of the Knights of Columbus St. James Council (4th degree), Roseland/Blue Island Elks, Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture and a member of Infant Jesus of Prague Church, in Flossmoor. Visitation will be Friday, July 11th, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Tews Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430 (708-798-5300). Prayers 9:15 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Mass will follow at 10 a.m. at Infant Jesus of Prague Church, 1131 Douglas (2 blocks east of Governors Hwy. on Flossmoor Rd.), in Flossmoor. Interment will be at St. Casimir Cemetery, 4401 West 111th St., Chicago. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charley's memory to the Flossmoor Volunteer Fire Dept., Paramedic Fund, 2800 Flossmoor Rd., Flossmoor, IL 60422 (708-798-3885), or the Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care, 3420 Vollmer Rd., Olympia Fields, IL 60461. Info 708-798-5300. 
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Zulanas
Wendy & Bruce Lietzow
July 12, 2008
Dear Joan, our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We certainly will miss Charley. He was truely an inspiration to all, and had a wonderful sense of humor. A genuinely loving person.
Margaret Tomich
July 11, 2008
To all the Zulanas family:
We extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of your grandfather.
Don and Marge Tomich
JANET STAIB
July 11, 2008
OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE ZULANAS FAMILY. CHARLY AND STELL WERE ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU AND THE ST. JAMES K/C MY DAD (CHARLIE BRISCOE SR) ALONG WITH MANY OTHER KNIGHTS WERE THE HARDEST WORKERS FOR THAT COUNCIL. MANY A MEETING WERE AT THE BIG "Z" THEIR DOORS WERE ALWAYS OPEN. GOD BLESS ALL, WE WERE SO LUCKY TO HAVE CHARLY & STELL TOUCH OUR HEARTS.
JANET (BRISCOE) & JOHN STAIB
MRS. LUCILLE BRISCOE
Cindy & Joe Panfil
July 10, 2008
Bruce & Family - we never met yoru grandfather but remember all the stories you would tell us of all the breweriana stuff you found in the old house. OUr thoughts are with you and your family
How you can show support
Sarah Smith
July 10, 2008
We loved him and will surely miss him.
He was a great man!
The staff and Doctors at MPG Olympia Fields.
Jim McDonough
July 10, 2008
Sadden to hear of Chuck's passing but know he is up there seeing all his family who have passed before him. I am sure he will be straightening out "Chuck Jr" for one thing or another. He will be greatly missed!
George Buttafuoco
July 9, 2008
Charles and his family were very popular with the fans and drivers at Raceway Park for many years. He and his family treated people right. I always thought that they had a very clever phone number (747-BEER). He was truly a good guy.God bless him.
PHIL KRAUS
July 8, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
FROM A FORMER DOLTON VOLUNTEER FIREMAN, MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
JAMES & ROSALIE REIF
July 8, 2008
WE HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF MR. ZULANAS, WE WORKED ON HIS VEHICLES FOR YEARS IN SO. HOLLAND, DID BUSINESS AS JIM'S AUTO BODY REPAIR. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH MR. ZULANAS' FAMILY
Bob Freebeck
July 8, 2008
My prayers will be with the entire Zulanas family. And large it was. Gramps legacy of family and caring will be carried on in all our memories. Growing up around this family will certainly be remembered fondly by many.
God Bless
Carol Shirley (ABDI)
July 8, 2008
Steve, Chuck -
Our thoughts and sympathy are with you and your entire family.
pat dewane
July 8, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
John Bienemann
July 8, 2008
My consolences go out to the
"Zulanas" family.
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Daniel and Mary Anne Troy
July 7, 2008
May eternal light shine upon him for his generousity and faithfulness to Holy Ghost Parish of South Holland
Peter Krakowski
July 7, 2008
Our sympathy and thoughts are always with you.
July 7, 2008
Gramps and family
July 7, 2008
Enjoying time with Zach & Blake, great grandsons
July 7, 2008
John & Trang
July 7, 2008
Dear Joan & Family:
Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss. We will miss having Charles as our neighbor.
Sept. 07 "Lunch w/ Gramps"
July 7, 2008
Ralph Maiorano
July 7, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mary Spencer-Jensen
July 7, 2008
Dear Joan & Family,
I know your hearts are breaking at the loss of sweet dear "Gramps". Joanie, I know your deep love and gentle care allowed him more days on this earth with the family he adored. Please know you will be in my heart and prayers in the coming days and months as you deal with your loss.
Neonia Canty
July 6, 2008
Dear Joan and Family,
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Mike Bozek
July 6, 2008
Gramps was the most influential person on my career and I could never thank him enough!
My sincere condolences,
Mike Bozek
From the Staff of Tews Funeral Home
July 6, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Memorial Events
for Charles Zulanas
People and places connected with Charles
Recent Obituaries
How to support Charles's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Charles Zulanas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
