Arlene M. Jehlicka

Arlene M. Jehlicka, 92, of Gurnee passed away peacefully Thursday, February 26, 2026. She was born Wednesday, May 17, 1933, to the late Everett and Loretta (Powers) Byrnes. On June 21, 1952, in Chicago, Arlene married her best friend and childhood sweetheart, Albert Jehlicka. 

Arlene served as President for 10 years at the Lake County Association for Home and Community (Homemakers Club in Lake Villa). She was a kind, loving mother whose devotion to her family defined her life. Being with them brought her the greatest joy.

Arlene is survived by her loving family: her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Wayne Henkel; her son and daughter-in-law, Albert and Susan Jehlicka; her son-in-law, Ray Rybicki; seven grandchildren, Katelyn (Darrin) McNeill, Tyler Henkel, Katie (Lee) Eckstein, Mark (Jennie) Rybicki, Kimberly (Peter) Olesen, Tom (Bianca) Jehlicka, and Matt Jehlicka; seven great-grandchildren, Isabella and Grace Eckstein, Desmond Rybicki, Easton, Brayden, Nolan, and Sloane Olesen; two sisters-in-law, Virginia Byrnes and Flo Byrnes; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Arlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Al; her daughter, Donna Rybicki; and three brothers, Jimmy, Bob, and Tom Byrnes.

A funeral mass will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10am, visitation from 9-10am, at St. Paul the Apostle, 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee, IL, with Fr. Martin Szczypula and Deacon Michael Penich officiating. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL.

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee, IL. You may sign the online guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.