Danuta M. Kmiecik

 Danuta M. “Donna” Kmiecik, age 73 of Crest Hill, IL, passed away Sunday evening, August 27, 2023, at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.

Born August 11, 1950 in Poznan Poland, Danuta was a daughter of Czeslaw and Wanda (née Malgut) Zawal.  She was raised in Poland and at 32 years of age, she moved to the United States with her husband and son, settling in the Joliet area.   

She was retired from Joliet Pattern Works after 14 years of dedicated service, tended bar at the Chaney Club for 20 years and Ted and Sophie’s for many years, as well.

Danuta was a former member of St. Cyril & Methodius Church in Lemont and the Deer Creek Recreation Club in Plainfield.

She was a member of Holy Cross Parish and the Croatian Cultural Club.              

Danuta enjoyed traveling to Wisconsin, Mexico and especially to her beloved Poland to visit her family as well as the many phone conversations with her sister over the past years.

Danuta was blessed to have the love and support from so many friends over the years who helped her through the loss of her loving husband and son.

Survivors include her sister, Henryka Anisimowicz of Poznan, Poland; niece, Honorata; nephew, Slăwĭk; one great niece, one great nephew, two great-great nieces, one great-great nephew; dearest friends, Denise Hiller and Sylvia (John) Churnovic and families.

Danuta was preceded in death by her loving husband of 34 years, Zygmunt M. “Ziggy” Kmiecik (2011); devoted son, Krzysztof “Chris” Kmiecik (1999); parents, Czeslaw and Wanda Malgut; brother, Ryszard Zawal; maternal grandparents, Wyadyslăw and Jadwiga Malgut; paternal grandparents, Jan and Antonina Zawal.                                                                             

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 830 Elizabeth Street, Joliet, IL from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A memorial Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Rev Tomasz Sielicki officiating.

Danuta will be laid to rest beside her son and husband at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Crest Hill.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL   815-735-2125.