Adele M. Cardella Blunk

When Adele Blunk walked into the room, she always greeted everyone enthusiastically. She enjoyed meeting people. Adele was a prime example of someone who always When Adele looked at the glass as being half full. No matter what she faced, Adele faced every challenge with a positive attitude, and that was an incredible personal strength. For those who were fortunate enough to spend time with Adele, you couldn't help but have some of that positive attitude rub off. Adele was tireless and had boundless enthusiasm that would serve her well throughout her life.

Adele was born on April 5, 1927 at Misericordia Home on West 47th Street in Chicago, Illinois. She was given up for adoption by her birth mother. Her birth father Michael Cardella and his wife Margaret adopted Adele shortly after her birth, and she was their only child. Adele's father died when she was only 7 years old. She and her mother moved almost every year from apartment to apartment in Chicago, surviving on public assistance and whatever money they could earn. Her mother cleaned houses, and Adele would run errands and deliver groceries for neighbors. There were many nights when they had little food to eat. She did not have much of a childhood as we know it. She did not have time or money to participate in many of the social activities many children enjoyed. Her mother died when Adele was 14 on her graduation day from Junior High School. For Adele, it felt like the end of the world, but she always believed that tomorrow would be a better day. She became a foster child, moving from the south side of Chicago, to what seemed a world away, to the west side of Chicago. In exchange for living with her foster family and paying for high school, she cleaned their house and took care of their five young children. She often finished her homework late at night after the children had gone to bed.

Adele attended Trinity High School in River Forest, Illinois. The money she earned paid for high school. Tuition was $300, uniform was $35, and books were $2. Adele was a good student and worked hard to get good grades, graduating in 1945. She was proud to be called a “Trinity girl,” and knew that Trinity graduates were sought after on the job market. After graduation, she was the secretary to the President of the Certified Glue Company. She was employed as an executive secretary for Standard Brands Corporation for 7 years and also at Sears Roebuck. In 1945, an executive secretary position was probably one of the highest positions that women held in a large company. She often said she had a very important job and that because she was a “Trinity girl,” she was able to command a higher salary. Shortly after graduation, she moved out of her foster parent’s house into an apartment with some high school friends, Cora Morgan and Evelyn Neal. Other best friends included Rose Fahey and Nonie Nelson.

Adele Margaret Cardella and Joseph Lee Blunk were married on June 19, 1948 at St. Catherine of Sienna Rectory Catholic Church in Oak Park, Illinois. She was quite sensitive towards Joseph's needs, a trait that continued throughout their married life. With her marriage to Joe, she acquired a new Momma and Daddy, Francis and Guy Blunk. Joe and Adele purchased a “shell” home on 46th Avenue in Bellwood in 1951, finishing the rooms of the house after work and on weekends. This new home also meant a new neighborhood and new friends, friends they would have for a lifetime. Some of those friends included Lillian and Clarence Bellow, Jo and Al Piper, Marilyn and Art Jaeger, Vi and Chuck Henderson, and Betty and Wes Van Ness.

Adele and Joe welcomed their first son, Joey (Joseph Lee Jr.) in November of 1955. Adele enjoyed being a mother and wanted more children. They were blessed with another son, Johnny (John Anthony) in September 1961. Adele was a devoted mother, playing games with her boys, serving as Jefferson Grade School Room Mother, and Den Mother for the Cub Scout troop. She would often take the boys to downtown Chicago on the "el" and they would enjoy lunch under the tree in the Walnut Room at Marshall Field's at Christmas time. Adele would go bowling and roller skating with the boys. Their home was often filled with many of the children from the neighborhood. It didn't matter how many there were, Adele would welcome more, laughing and enjoying their escapades.

Adele was a woman who was dedicated and devoted to her faith. She was a member of Peace Church of Bellwood for 30 years. Adele filled in as church secretary when needed. She was paid for her work at the church, but she signed every one of those checks over to the church, saying the church needed her to do the work; she didn't need to be paid.

Because Adele loved to have alot of activities in her life, she took advantage of the opportunity to pursue numerous hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were sewing, square-dancing and camping. Favorite family camping vacations included Rocky Mountains, Disneyland, Las Vegas, and Badlands South Dakota. Joe and Adele also traveled to Las Vegas, Florida, Myrtle Beach, and Cayman Islands. Later in life they had a camper in Plainfield where they would enjoy the summer. Adele was also a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Vicky the dog was a best friend for 13 years.

Adele and Joe were happy when their family grew with John and Peggy marrying in 1986, and Peggy’s daughter Veronica. Joe and Kate married in 1988. Soon there were more grandchildren: Johnny, Joey and Alison. The family grew with Veronica and husband Lenny having two children, Aaron and Carina. Adele loved spending time with all the grandchildren and always made sure to send Valentine’s, Easter, Birthday and Christmas cards to each of the grandchildren.

In retirement, she found new pleasure spending summers in Northern Wisconsin. She also enjoyed finding garage sales, going to Casinos and entertaining her grandchildren. Some of her favorite times were having all her children and grandchildren visit at the Northwoods Escape on Big Bearskin Lake in Wisconsin and taking the grandkids to Circle M Amusement Park, giving the parents a welcome day off. Day trips included the Rhinelander Logging Museum, Warbonnet Zoo, Camp Five Museum and Steam Train, and miniature golfing at Kastle Rock when the grandkids came to visit. Mornings started with homemade waffles and Mickey Mouse pancakes. Adele enjoyed cooking, and the grandkids looked forward to homemade macaroni and cheese, crunchy chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies. Adele thoroughly enjoyed the "peace and quiet" on the lake in the Northwoods.

Adele M. Blunk passed away on February 11, 2011 at DuPage Convalescent Center, in Wheaton, Illinois. She is survived by her husband Joseph Sr., her children Joseph (Kate), John(Peggy), her grandchildren Veronica, Johnny, Joey and Alison.

Adele M. Blunk, age 83, beloved wife of Joseph L. Blunk, Sr.; devoted mother of Joseph L. Jr. (Kate) and John (Peggy); loving grandmother of Johnny, Joey and Alison; dear sister-in-law of Don (Kay) Blunk; fond aunt of Michael, David and Laura. Visitation Thursday, February 17, 2011, from 3-8 pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave., Lisle (on Rt. 53, ½ mile south of Ogden Ave/ Rt. 34) where funeral services will be held Friday, February 18, at 11:00 am. Interment Lewisport, Kentucky. For info, call 630-964-9392.