Chicago Tribune from Chicago, Illinois • Page 1-32

Fanny Gonzalez was hit with a $161,601.50 cancer treatment bill. CHRIS PHOTO was a total shock to she said. that Iwas going to be put into this situation, I would not have accepted the Gonzalez said she feared the situation would ruin her credit and leave her penniless. is a huge amount of money that I am unable to she said. The Problem Solver called Anne Meisner, president and CEO of Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center.

Meisner said she understood concern. never our intention to burden a family with a huge Meisner said. have Meisner acknowledged that Avastin was considered an treatment for gastric cancer but said such uses are common. She said doctors have a limited number of tools when fighting cancer, and that insurance companies usually pay for such treatments. Cancer Treatment Centers of America doctors did not ask Blue Cross to pre-approve the use of Avastin because the facility has no policy requiring pre-approval, Meisner said.

administrative burden of having to get each (off-label drug treatment) approved would be a she said. In Cancer Treatment Centers nurse wrote a letter asking Blue Cross to cover the Avastin treatments. Blue Cross said no. After that, Meisner said, the company lost contact with Gonzalez and did not realize she was struggling with the bill. After the Problem Solver inquired about her case, a Cancer Treatment Centers of America representative sat down with her to discuss her options.

The company gave her forms to seek financial assistance or have part of the $161,000 erased. already in motion Meisner said last week. what happens, in all honesty, is we wind up writing those charges off if the family is unable to Gonzalez, who works as a home-care nurse, said she falls under that category. She is working on the hardship forms and will turn them in soon. The Problem Solver will check back with her in a few weeks to see how the case is resolved.

Failed treatment doubly painful Continuedfrom Page29 Blue Cross denied the cancer treatment claims for Jose Sanchez, shown with his wife, Fanny Gonzalez, in a family photo. Have a problem? E-mail your detailed story to or write to Your Newsroom, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Chicago, IL 60611. Please include your name and a way to contact you. We respond to everyone, but get to as many as we can and publish the results Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

chicagotribune Review problems and submit yours. 32 CHICAGO SECTION1 OBITUARIES Cremation Society Of Illinois 800-622-8358 10 Northern Illinois Locations www.cremation-society.com BERNHARDT, WARREN Warren Bernhardt, age 86, of Elburn, peacefully passed away on Nov. 11, 2009, at his home after a battle with cancer. He leaves his wife of 62 years, Jeanne; four children: Ron (Tracy) Bernhardt of Mesa, AZ, Richard (Donna) Bernhardt of Grand Forks, ND, Carol Syme of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Thomas Sr. (Julie) Bernhardt of Sarasota, FL; seven grandchildren: Jill (Tony) Leitner, Jason Bernhardt, Rob (Lorine) Bernhardt, Michael Bernhardt, Timothy Bernhardt, Thomas Jr.

Bernhardt and Victoria Bernhardt; four great-grandchildren: Anna, Charlie Warren, Elle, Kaylin; many nieces and nephews and family of friends; he now joins his parents and one sister, Margeolaine Bernhardt, who preceded him in death. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at Conley Funeral Home 116 W. Pierce Elburn, IL. A memorial service to celebrate his life will follow the visitation at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in this name to benefit his favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Warren Bernhardt Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries BATTAGLIA, PHILLIP J.

Phillip J. Battaglia, beloved husband of Beverly, nee Lindahl; loving father of Mark and Phillip Jr. (Carol); blessed grandfather of Sara, David, Becci, Markus, Barbara and Emma; great grandfather of Jordan, Addison, Evelyn and Nathaniel; loved by many wonderful family members and friends. Visitation Tuesday, Nov. 17, 4 to 9 p.m.

at Matz Funeral Home, 3440 Central Chicago. Lying in state Wed. Nov. 18 until services at 11am at Our Saviour Lutheran Church 3457 Neva, Chicago. Interment at All Saints Cemetery.

Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries BALDASSARO, ROMANO Romano "Buster" Baldassaro, 82, a 16-year resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, formally of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on November 12, 2009. Buster is a retired Security Police with The Chicago Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. He is survived by his loving wife Rosalie (Spinoso) of 61 years; loving father to Joseph (Mary Ann), Rosalie Vasilos, Mary (John) Flinn, and Anthony; proud grandfather to Dion (Jennifer), Tony (Alice), Andrea and Peter Vasilos, James Palait, Scott Flinn; and great-grandfather of Madeline and Vivian Romano. Private service being held in Las Vegas. Donations may be made in the Romano name to The Veterans Association or The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries ARTEMAKIS, HELEN Helen Artemakis, nee Tzortzakis beloved wife of the late Gus; loving mother of Maria Artemakis and Angelo (Nicole Cantello) Artemakis; devoted daughter of the late John and Georgia Tzortzakis; cherished grandmother of Lukia and Kostas Elias Artemakis; dear sister of Elias (Maria) Tzortzakis, Filio (Andreas) Balomanakis, George (Georgia), Eleftherios (Georgia) Nicholas (Archondoula) Tzortzakis, Dina (Sam) Paraskevopoulos and the late Marika (the late Panagiotis) Papadakis; fond aunt of many; devoted friend of Derek Hanson. Visitation, Tuesday, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home 6150 N. Cicero Ave. Family and friends will meet Wednesday morning at St.

Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 W. Winona Chicago, IL 60625, for funeral service at 11a.m. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Kindly omit flowers. Memorials and donations to St.

Demetrios church would be appreciated. Arrangements by John G. Adinamis, Funeral Director, LTD. (773) 736-3833. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries ALEXANDER See Lorraine M.

Carpenter notice. Death Notices CONWAY, LORETTA S. Loretta, for eight years, daily have I recalled that our love changed everything, nothing remained the same. Today is no different. Amo te.

Jerry In Memoriam Funeral Services DEL GHINGARO, WILMA E. Wilma E. Del Ghingaro, age 80, beloved wife of the late Juan; loving mother of Jean (Joseph) Sowka, Cindy (Lou) Fracassi, and John (Kathy); fond grandmother of seven. Funeral Thursday, Nov. 19, 11a.m.

at Matz Funeral Home 410 E. Rand Mt. Prospect. Interment, All Saints. Visitation Wednesday, 3 to 9 p.m.

847-394-2336. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries DAHL, SHARON E. Sharon E. Dahl, 65, of Des Plaines, passed away Nov. 14, 2009, at home surrounded by her family.

Beloved mother and so much more of Michael (Laura) Dahl; proud and devoted grandmother of Katelyn Dahl; beloved daughter of the late Irving and Carrie Dahl; loving sister of Diana Dahl, Christian (Stella) Dahl and the late Marge Bavido, Jeanne Pivar, Glenn Dahl and Charles Dahl; adored aunt of Kristopher (Sarah) Dahl, Linda (Jamie) Camarata, Karla (Stewart) Moulakelis, Jennifer (Pete) Genzlinger, Kathy (Dana) Rigney, Jim (Donna) Bavido, Rick Bavido, Glenn (Debbie) Dahl, Gary (Joy) Dahl, Debbie Dahl, Meredith Lund, Andrea Volikas, Gretchen Maldonis, the late Karen Dahl and Michelle Hardy; Godmother to Heather (Eddie) Reimer; caring great-aunt to many nieces and nephews; cherished friend of many. Sharon touched the lives of many students during her ten years at Maine West High School in Des Plaines. She was nicknamed "The Dahlinator." A heartfelt thanks to the wonderful people who were there for Sharon when she needed them. Interment Private. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society Northwest Bible Chapel, 5555 N. Lotus Chicago, IL 60630. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries DADDEZIO, LILLIAN J. Lillian J. Daddezio, nee McGraw retired RN; beloved wife of the late Louis P.

loving mother of Louis (Patricia) the late Carol Ann Daddezio; and Diane (the late David) Presco; cherished grandmother of Donald (Lorri), Richard Daddezio, Tamra (Mark) Perto, Carrie Gentile, Kristina (Andey) Mastrino, Melissa (Peter) DeCicco, Carmen (Jamie) Presco; 11great-grandchil- dren. Visitation on Tuesday at Grove Memorial Chapel 1199 S. Arlington Heights Elk Grove Village, 3 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 10 a.m. St.

Domitilla Church in Hillside. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Please omit flowers, donations to the Michael J. Fox Association. For info: 847-640-0566 Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries CICI, NICHOLAS M.

Nicholas M. Cici, beloved husband of Barbara, nee Bowelet; loving father of Patrick (Despina), Camille, Nicholas and Steven; fond grandfather and great-grandfather of many; dear brother of Marie (Al) Jaburek, Amelia (the late Vito) Rizzo, Marge (the late Christ) Messino, Emil (Angela) Cici, Cecilia (Richard) Blumenberg and the late Josephine (the late Joseph) Tokarezyk; fond uncle of many. Funeral Thursday, 9 a.m. from Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Norridge to St.

Ferdinand Church, Mass 10 a.m. Interment Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, 3 to 9 p.m. 708-456-8300 or www.cumberlandchapels.com Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries CICHOWSKI, MARGARET Margaret Cichowski, nee Didier beloved wife of the late Robert loving mother of Robert Joanne (David) Alexovich, Mike (Patty), the late Mary Lou, the late Richard and the late James; cherished grandmother of Aaron, Ariel, Matthew, Kathryn, Joseph, Samuel, Daniel, Michael, Richard, Brian; great-grandmother of Madison and Carly; fond sister of Mary Webb; dear aunt and friend of many. Margaret is beloved by many and will be missed by all.

Funeral Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at 9:15 a.m., from Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home 6250 N. Milwaukee to St. Mary of the Woods Church, Mass 10 a.m. Interment St.

Adalbert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to American Diabetes Association or Southwest Indiana Fund, P.O. Box 906, Broken Arrow, OK 74013 appreciated. Visitation Wednesday, 3 to 9 p.m. Info 773-774-0366 or www.colonialfuneral.com Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries CARPENTER, LORRAINE M.

Lorraine M. Carpenter, nee Alexander beloved wife of the late Robert; loving mother of Mary Lisa (Gerry) Logan, Jeff, Pati (Scott) Dossey, Paul (Cathy) and the late Timothy Carpenter; fond grandmother of 11; and great grandmother of three; dear sister of Regina Alexander, Barbara (the late John) Mullarkey and the late Mary Clare (the late Jimmy Freeman and the late Ed Walther) and Betty Alexander; fond aunt and "cou- sant" of many. Long time employee of U.S. Gypsum. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Acension Parish Sponsor a Student Fund, 808 S.

East Oak Park, IL 60304, appreciated. Visitation Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1to 9 p.m. at Peterson-Bassi Funeral Gamboney Son Directors 6938 W. North Ave.

(three blks. E. of Harlem), Chicago. Funeral Thursday, 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to Ascension Church, Oak Park for Mass at 10 a.m.

Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Info 708-848-6661 Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries BRUSKI, HERBERT Herbert Bruski, 94, beloved husband of the late Beatrice, nee Segall; devoted father of Mitchell (Nancy) Bruski; loving grandfather of Katy and James. Funeral Services Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. at THE PISER CHAPEL 9200 N. Skokie Blvd.

(at Church St), Skokie. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Kenneth Young Center, 1001Rohlwing Road, Elk Grove, IL 60007, would be appreciated. Info: PISER FUNERAL SERVICES, 847-679-4740. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries BRNGAL, ELIZABETH V.

Elizabeth V. "Betty" Brngal, age 90, of Lansing, formerly of Dolton and Roseland, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. She is survived by two children, Ron (Linda) Brngal and Diane Helms; two grandsons, Brad and Scott Brngal; and two sisters, Theresa Matusak and Mary Dalton. Mrs.

Brngal was preceded in death by her husband, Steve; two brothers, Ambrose and Paul Turza; and one sister, Anne Martin. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at 10 a.m. from the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home 3227 Ridge Lansing. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 2 to 9 p.m. Betty had just celebrated her 90th birthday. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries BLUTTER, JOAN Joan Blutter, nee Wernick age 86, beloved wife of the late Melvyn, loving mother of Janet (Larry) Shiff and Steven Blutter; cherished grandmother of Michael and Jackie. Service Friday, 10:30 a.m. at The Weinstein Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Wilmette.

Entombment Rosehill Cemetery Mausoleum, Chicago. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to CJE SeniorLife Adult Day Services (CJE at Sinai), 1015 W. Howard Evanston, IL 60202. For info (847) 256-5700. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries FRANK, FRANZ Franz Frank, age 85, beloved husband of Anna, nee Kukla; loving father of Franz (Verneal) and Lawrence MD (Carol); proud grandfather of Adrienne (Jay) Gillette, Steven, Aaron, Gloria, Andrew, Justin and Evan Frank; dear brother of Josef (Katharia) Frank.

Visitation Wednesday, 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Thursday, 8:15 a.m. until time of funeral 9:15 a.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home 134 South York Road mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst.

Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. at Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation, 4345 W. Division Chicago, IL 60651.

For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 of www.gibbonsfuneralhome. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries FOWLER, KEITH Keith Fowler, 45, of Wheeling, beloved husband of Marcy, nee Wise; beloved father of Shelbi Fowler and step-father of Carly and Jessi Benson; beloved son of Sandra (Tom) Equels; dear brother of Lisa Ann (Bruce) Quinn and step-brother of Tommy (Laura) Equels, Timothy (Pia) Equels and Kimberly Hurley; fond brother-in-law of Jodie and Bob Wasikowski; loving son-in-law of Jack (the late Sandy) Wise; and beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews. Memorial visitation Thursday from 4 p.m. until the time of memorial service at 8 p.m. at the Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N.

Arlington Heights Road, (4 blocks south of Palatine Road), Arlington Heights and Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Fowler residence. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorials Tributes, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674. Funeral information and condolences www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries FANCHI, LOUIS A.

Louis A. Fanchi, beloved husband of the late Joan nee Lonergan; loving father of Kathleen (William) Besenhofer and Mary (Paul) Sedlacek; devoted grandfather of Kevin Seyter, Kristen and Michael Sedlacek; dear brother of Joseph (Carol) and the late Marie Fanchi. Funeral Thursday, Nov. 19, 9:30 a.m. from Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S.

Northwest Hwy. (2 blks. S. of Touhy), Park Ridge to St. Paul of the Cross Church, Mass 10 a.m.

Interment All Saints Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, 3 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Paul of the Cross Church, 140 S. Northwest Park Ridge, IL 60068 appreciated.

Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries ERNST, DORIS J. Doris J. Ernst, nee Tobias age 81, of Des Plaines since 1962, passed away on Nov. 16, 2009 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. Beloved wife of Edwin A.

Ernst for 62 years; devoted mother of Michael (Connie), David (Cynthia) and Edwin (Linda); dear grandmother of Eric (Heather) David Jr. Jennifer, Kyle, Cory (Mary), Bryan and Tyler; great-grandmother of Ryan, Ally-Jo, Anthony, Zachary, Kate and Kathleen. Doris was a member of St. Goldenaires, St. Alter and Rosary Society, She was also a member of the choir, a Eucharistic Minister, Past President of the Des Plaines American Legion Auxiliary Unit The Des Plaines Moose Chapter 835 and Mt.

Prospect Chapter 1481, The Chicagoland Shih Tzu Club and former member of the Wheel- Go- Camping, FCHA FCRV Club. Visitation Wed, Nov. 18, 2009 beginning at 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. at G.L.

Hills Funeral Home 745 Graceland Des Plaines, IL. 9:15 a.m. prayer service at funeral home on Thursday, Nov. 19, followed by a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass at St.

Zachary Catholic Church, Des Plaines, IL. Entombment at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Legion Auxiliary. For info please call 847-699-9003. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries DUDEK, MARTIN M.

Martin M. Dudek, 52, suddenly, beloved son of Christine Berendt and the late Matthew Dudek; dear brother of Jeanne (Thomas) Battaglia; loving uncle of Scott (Elsa) and the late Kyle Battaglia. Faithful Green Bay Packers fan since grade school. Visitation Wednesday, 4 to 9 p.m. at the Oehler Funeral Home 2099 Miner St.

(Northwest 14 at Rand Des Plaines. Funeral Thursday, 10:15 from Chapel to St. Isaac Jogues Church, 8149 Golf Niles. Mass 11a.m. Interment St.

Adalbert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation. For further info. and directions call, 847-824-5155. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries DOSSEY See Lorraine M.

Carpenter notice. DOLAN, FRANCES M. Frances M. Dolan, nee McNamee beloved wife of the late, William loving mother of William, Dave (Cate), Michael (Laurie), Mary Fran (Scott) Lange, Steve (Susan), Bob, Jim (Mary), Denise (Steve) Schinkal, John (Lorraine), Beth (Perry) Dazzo, and Julie (Hugh) Baldus; devoted grandmother of 36; great-grandmother of four; dear sister of Margaret McMenamin. Funeral, Friday, Nov.

20, 9:15 a.m. from Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Hwy. (two blks S. of Touhy), Park Ridge to Our Lady of Ransom Church, Mass 10 a.m.

Interment All Saints Cemetery. Visitation, Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to of Mercy Center, 6300 N. Ridge Chicago, IL 60660. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries DOKMO, JON CLAYTON Jon Clayton Dokmo, 72, of South Barrington.

A memorial service will be held at Willow Creek Community Church, 67 E. Algonquin South Barrington, at 11a.m., Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. Jon passed away surrounded by his family at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights on Nov. 15, 2009.

Private burial will take place at St. Michael Cemetery in Palatine. A native of St. Paul, MN, he graduated from St. Paul Central High School and St.

Olaf College, Northfield, MN. His career began with General Motors Acceptance which led him into the automotive business. He was transferred to the Chicago area in 1964. In 1976 he purchased Downers Grove Dodge, which he owned and operated very successfully until its sale in 2001. Over the years, he was recognized many times for excellence in operation and management of his dealership.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Danna Rae, nee Suess; his son, Jon (Tania) of Naperville and daughter, Leanne (Tim) Johnson; seven grandchildren, Clayton, Collin, Marisa and Katrina Dokmo and Jacob, Jessica and Kyle Johnson; as well as a brother, Harold (Penny) of San Diego, and a sister, Linda (Jerome) Collins of College Station, TX. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Hospital, 501St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements were made by Davenport Family Funeral Home, Barrington.

For information, 847- 381-3411or www.davenportfamily.com, where messages of condolence may also be left for the family. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries DIAZ, JUAN ANTONIO Juan Antonio Diaz, beloved husband of Minerva, nee Tellez; loving father of Leticia (Michael) Sleaford, Armida (Kevin) Jirik, Sylvia (Steve) Garcia and Elsa (Joe) Gaztambide; dear grandfather of Steven, Daniel, Deanna, Jasmine, Jade and Giselle; fond brother of 11, all who preceded him in death; uncle of many nieces and nephews. Funeral Wednesday, 8:45 a.m. from Otto V. Stransky Son Funeral Home, 5112 S.

Western Ave. to Holy Cross Church for 9:30 a.m. Mass. Interment Resurrection. Visitation 3 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday. 773-778-0700. Sign Guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries Joseph Rago, a Geneva attorney and former assistant attorney in Kane and DeKalb counties, was fiercely proud of his Italian-American heritage. Three years ago, when a coalition of Italian-American groups asked him to help prevent the opening of a Batavia middle school play that they argued unfairly stereotyped Italian-Americans, he was more than happy to pitch in. took the case wanting to bring some attention to said his brotherMatteo, also an attorney.

Although the motion to pull the curtain on A Little Mobster Mr. Rago felt it was a fight worth fighting, his family said. He was later awarded the Leonardo da Vinci Jurisprudence Award of Excellence from the Order Sons of Italy in of the oldest and largest Italian heritage organizations. used to say to me, I put my head down on my pillow I know I can sleep, because I did the right said his wife of 22 years, Nanci. The founder and first president of the Kane County Justinian Society of Lawyers, Mr.

Rago, 49, died of pancreatic cancer Friday, Nov. 13, in his Geneva home. The son of Italian immigrants, Mr. Rago was born and raised on Northwest Side and graduated in 1978 from Broadview Academy in far west suburban La Fox. After receiving a degree in history and economics from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, he got a law degree from Chicago- Kent College of Law in Chicago.

Mr. Rago worked as an assistant attorney for Kane County and later was a first assistant attorney for DeKalb County. In 2001, he opened his own practice in Geneva, where he took on criminal defense and personal injury cases, his brother said. In 1996, Mr. Rago founded the Kane County chapter of the Justinian Society of Lawyers, a national organization for Italian-American attorneys.

Mr. Rago also was a Geneva Township Republican precinct committeeman for many years. he felt strongly about something, you could just see it in his said Mark Wissing, chairman of the Geneva Township Republican Organization. Survivors also include a son, two daughters, Abigail and Rachel; two other brothers, Peter and Michael; and a sister, Mary Newbold. Services will be held at 11 a.m.

Tuesdayin Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Geneva. JOSEPH RAGO 1960-2009 Joseph Rago fought the middle school production of Attorney backed Italian-American groups, issues By Joan Giangrasse Kates SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE Nixon denied wrongdoing in the Watergate affair, asserting, am not a In 1993 the House of Representatives voted 234-200 to approve the North American Free Trade Agreement in what was seen as a victory for President Bill Clinton. In 2004 it was announced that Kmart was acquiring Sears in a surprise $11 billion deal. On Nov.

17, 1558, Elizabeth I ascended the English throne after Queen Mary I died. In 1889 the Union Pacific Railroad Co. began direct, daily service between Chicago and Portland, and between Chicago and San Francisco. In 1925 Roy Scherer who would become a screen star as Rock Hudson, was born in Winnetka. In 1926 the Chicago Black- hawks played their first hockey game, beating the Toronto St.

Patricks 4-1. In 1968 NBC outraged football fans by cutting away from the closing minutes of a New York Jets-Oakland Raiders game to begin a television special, on schedule. In 1973, speaking to a meeting of newspaper editors in Orlando, President Richard ALMANAC BUSINESS Product: CTMAIN PubDate: 11-17-2009 Zone: ALL Edition: HD Page: OBIT1-32 User: cci Time: Color:.