Dolores Kickels Curns
Dolores Kickels Curns
Dolores Kickels Curns, affectionately known as Dee, of Libertyville and Chicago, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 11th, 2024. Dolores was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John R. Curns M.D., her parents Florence and Gordon Kickels and her brother John, and his wife Peg Kickels.
She is survived by her loving sister and best friend, Mary Kay Kickels, PhD. She was a loving mother of her son, Jim (Cathie) Curns and daughter Barbara (Gary) Obrotka. Beloved grandmother of Julia (Shane) Welch, Stephen (Becca) Curns, Jessica (Trevor) Wallner and Alyssa (Brandon) Sullivan. She was blessed by seven wonderful great grandchildren. Proud aunt of Kathy (Bob) Moncek, Mike (Louise) Kickels, Linda (George) Stoops, Mark (Christine) Kickels, Jim (Krissy) Kickels and Kevin Kickels, each of whom she treasured, along with her ten great nieces and nephews.
Dee formed lifelong friendships from her high school and college years at Nazareth Academy, St. Catherine University, BA, Sociology, and University of Illinois, where she received her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her life’s work was dedicated to her profession through counseling and social services at Mayo’s Clinic, Palos Hospital, St. Martin de Porres House of Hope, and Loyola University Hospital. She and her husband, Jack established the Rockland Professional Center in Libertyville, Il., where they provided psychiatric and counseling services. With a heart for helping others, she volunteered at numerous organizations including Habitat for Humanity, HealthReach, Behaviorial Health Systems, Misericordia Home and the Sisters of St. Joseph of La Grange.
In addition to gathering her family for many Holiday dinners and overnights, she enjoyed golf, tennis, sailing, skiing, hiking, traveling, and even learned to fly so that she could co-pilot with Jack.
A caring and compassionate person, Dee was a gatherer and nurturer who brought people together to celebrate, heal, support and entertain them. Her kind spirit and lovely smile will be deeply missed by her family and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kickels Family Scholarship at Nazareth Academy, 1209 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park, Il. 60526 or St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, are greatly appreciated.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 19th 9am – 11am., followed by the Funeral Mass at Alexine Chapel, 1515 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park, Il. Private burial at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, Il.
Funeral information: 708-352-6500.
Such a beautiful remembrance for such a beautiful person .
Dee was a beautiful person and this obituary captures her joy of life and her kindness to others well. Dee was lovely and so easy to love. She loved her family, her friends and her work. God bless all those who loved and cared for her, especially her sister, Mary Kay.
We have had the pleasure of knowing Dee for quite a few years. She was brilliant and charming and a delight to chat with. So sorry for her loss. We are glad that she is, now, at peace and can “catch up” with Dr. Curns.
Fee and John Blackburn
Truly a woman for others, her legacy and warmth will
Live on through the lives of those she touched. She was a mentor, an ear, and a woman who knew not only who she was but the gifts she could offer. She gave those gifts freely and widely. I will miss just knowing you were in this same world, making it better just by being you.
Dee was caring person who gave her life to helping others. Her smile was contagious and interest in others made her quite an accomplished conversationalist.
Her Deanette sisters will miss her at gatherings and events. Her charming personality and engagement were always appreciated. We were blessed to have known her. A friend, Jerry Sue Thornton
Dee was a caring professional who devoted her life to helping others. Her smile was contagious and she was an engaging conversationalist because she had a genuine interest in people.
She will be missed by her Deanette sisters who looked forward to being with her. She was a joy!
Jerry Sue
Dee will be truly missed.
She always had a beautiful smile and a caring heart. Dee was truly one of the most compassion person that I know.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Love,
Vern and Betty Crawley ❤️