Jean M. Rykiel

Jean Rykiel, age 97 of Kankakee passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 7, 2026. She was born on October 26, 1928 in Harvey, IL, the daughter of John and Caroline (Kabaj) Sova. Jean was raised on a farm in Beecher, IL along with her brothers, John and Ronald Sova; and one sister Carol (Frederick) Klaus. She married Myron Schultz in 1951. Together they had three children, Myron Schultz Jr., Larry (Lisa) Schultz, and Karol (David) Spencer. Jean has eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Jean was a housewife in Harvey until her children finished school at which time she began working as a housekeeping supervisor at the Holiday Inn in Harvey. She would later marry Theodore Rykiel. He preceded her in death in 1979. Jean was a parishioner at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, West Campus in Kankakee. Jean was an avid Chicago Cubs Fan and proudly displayed her Cubs flag as she rolled around the neighborhood in her wheelchair. Las Vegas was her favorite getaway, and she took numerous trips there with her family and friends. She will be remembered by the people that knew her best as an amazing person with an incredibly strong will to live. Jean suffered a debilitating stroke at age 68 which left her without the use of the right side of her body. She did not let her handicap define her life. Jean continued to live another three decades doing the things she loved with the ones she loved. Jean embraced her Catholic faith and her daily devotions continued until the last days of her life. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Surviving are two sons, Myron Jr. (Wen Hsin) Schultz of Logan, UT, Larry (Lisa) Schultz of Cedar Lake, IN; one daughter, Karol (David) Spencer of Kankakee; one sister, Carol Klaus of Tinley Park, IL; two brothers, Ronald Sova of Bentonville, AR, John Sova of California; eight grandchildren; great grand-children; nieces and nephews. Jean is preceded in death by her husbands, Myron Schultz Sr. and Ted Rykiel; her parents; and one brother-in-law, Fred Klaus. Visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Schreffler Funeral Home, Kankakee. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, West Campus in Kankakee. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City, IL. Memorials may be made to family wishes.

Jean M. Rykiel

October 26, 1928 - June 7, 2026

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Jean M. Rykiel

October 26, 1928 - June 7, 2026

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

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About Us

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Grief & Healing

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