Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Families in Chicago, IL

Jeffrey M. Schneider

Jeffrey M. Schneider

Jul 18, 2026

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life lived with boundless love and generosity, we mark the passing of Jeffrey Michael Schneider, affectionately known as "Jeff", on July 18, 2026, at his home in Burbank, Illinois. Born on June 2, 1962, Jeff’s journey through life was one characterized by resilience, warmth, and a steadfast devotion to those he cherished.

A...

Elvira Fernandez

Elvira Fernandez

Jul 10, 2026

Elvira Fernández, nacida el 10 de diciembre de 1958 en La Calera de San Miguel, Valparaíso, Zacatecas, México, falleció el 10 de julio de 2026 en Elk Grove Village, Illinois. La vida de Elvira estuvo marcada por la resiliencia, la independencia y una dedicación inquebrantable a su familia.

Será profundamente extrañada por sus seres más cercanos, incluidos sus amados hijos: Junior,...

Elizabeth "Betsy" Rayner Cox

Elizabeth "Betsy" Rayner Cox

Jul 9, 2026

Betsy Cox lived her life with love and gratitude so that even when Alzheimer’s entered in, through a positive approach to her care, she continued to find and spread joy every day. Betsy died Thursday, July 9th at the age of 83, still loved, loving, and grateful.

Elizabeth Ann Rayner was born to John and Helen Bess Rayner during a spring...

Heidi A. Bianchi

Heidi A. Bianchi

Jul 9, 2026

Heidi A. Bianchi (née Burgardt), an adored mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, in North Aurora, Illinois, at the age of 82. Born on December 13, 1943, in Poland, Heidi’s life was defined by compassion, resilience, and enduring devotion to her loved ones.

Heidi’s early life in Germany shaped her resilient character and compassionate presence....

Dorothy Hodges Kennett

Dorothy Hodges Kennett

Jul 3, 2026

Dorothy Hodges Kennett, born July 13, 1937, in Carroll, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, in Northbrook, Illinois. She was known for her professional dedication, her deep commitment to education, and love for family.

Dorothy’s journey began in central Iowa, where she cultivated a love for learning that would become the cornerstone of her life’s pursuits. She graduated with...

Carol A. Balfe

Carol A. Balfe

Jun 19, 2026

Carol A. Balfe, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, in Itasca, Illinois. She was born on December 27, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, and in her 85 years touched countless lives with her warmth, kindness, and devotion to her family.

Carol dedicated herself to her loved ones, embodying the values of compassion, generosity, and...

Frances D. Ruffalo

Frances D. Ruffalo

Jun 6, 2026

Frances D. Ruffalo, born on June 29, 1945, in Chicago, IL, peacefully passed away on June 6, 2026, in Elk Grove Village, IL. With a spirit marked by creativity, artistry, and boundless generosity, Frances leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth that touched every life she encountered.

For 45 years, Frances dedicated herself as a lab technician at Motorola, demonstrating...

Barbara Lynn Prigge

Barbara Lynn Prigge

May 15, 2026

Barbara Lynn Prigge, nee Henquinet, 83, longtime resident of Mt. Prospect, passed away May 15, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Raymond O. Prigge for 36 years; loving mother of Glenn (the late Glory) Prigge, Margy Moore, Brian (Mary) Moore and Jennifer Moore; cherished grandmother of Alexandra, Elizabeth and Samantha Prigge and Josh, Joey, Justin and Jessica Moore; dearest aunt,...

Ramon Crespo

Ramon Crespo

May 4, 2026

Ramon Crespo, age 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 4, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Evangelista, nee Velez; loving father of Raymond (Tracy) Crespo, William Crespo, Milly (Shawn) Lohnes and Zoraida (Tom) Gemskie; cherished grandfather of 11 and great grandfather of 9; dearest brother, uncle, great uncle, and great friend of many. Visitation Friday,...

Maria Leonor Ivan

Maria Leonor Ivan

May 4, 2026

It is with profound sorrow yet deep reverence that we announce the passing of Maria Leonor Ivan, née Ramirez, a woman whose life was marked by grace, devotion, and a radiant spirit that touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on April 29, 1934, in the vibrant city of Bogotá, Colombia, Maria Leonor’s journey came to its...

Kenny Kroll

Kenny Kroll

Apr 28, 2026

Ken E. Kroll, age 77, passed away on April 28, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, leaving behind a legacy of service, kindness, and deep community roots that touched countless lives. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, firefighter, crossing guard, neighbor, and friend, Ken spent much of his life building meaningful connections and giving back to the people around him.

Ken’s...

Joyce Arlene Deuter

Joyce Arlene Deuter

Apr 22, 2026

Joyce Arlene Deuter (née Krause), a dedicated professional and beloved matriarch, passed away on April 22, 2026, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Born on December 29, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Joyce led a life marked by unwavering commitment to family, career, and community.

A graduate of Schurz High School in Chicago, Joyce embarked on a career that encompassed various secretarial positions, most...

Helga L. Dehning

Helga L. Dehning

Apr 10, 2026

Helga L. Dehning, a beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on May 10, 1933, in Germany, Helga lived a life full of resilience and love, having experienced the profound transformations of the world around her.

As a young girl, Helga endured the trials of World War II, an experience...

Misty Lauren Duensing

Misty Lauren Duensing

Apr 4, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Misty Lauren Duensing, nee Dillon, age 64, who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at her residence in Dixon, Illinois.

She was born on February 12, 1962, in Evanston, Illinois, and raised three children; Crystal, Julia, and Faith. Misty was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Crystal...

Phillip Ethan Davis

Phillip Ethan Davis

Apr 3, 2026

Phillip Ethan Davis passed away suddenly in Chicago on April 3, 2026. Born on December 25, 1979, in Watertown, South Dakota, he was the best Christmas gift ever.

Growing up in Watertown, Phillip was an active and accomplished athlete, graduating from Watertown High School in 1998. He made his mark on the track and cross country teams, winning the State Cross...

Harvey Vahram Pranian Jr.

Harvey Vahram Pranian Jr.

Mar 30, 2026

On March 30, after many years living with the effects of multiple strokes and advanced dementia, Young Evanston Artists! (YEA!) founder Harvey Vahram Pranian’s spirit took flight. He was 88.

Harvey Jr. was born with tremendous promise, on Nov. 3, 1937, in Detroit, a first-generation Armenian American. His parents, Harvey Sr. and Louise (née Kezlarian), both narrowly escaped the Armenian genocide,...

Tony Anselmo

Tony Anselmo

Mar 30, 2026

Tony Anselmo, a man whose life was a rich tapestry of dedication, warmth, and steady success, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, in Ventura, California. Born on July 8, 1944, in the enchanting isle of Sicily, Italy, Tony’s journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to family, a profound work ethic, and a zest for the simple and heartfelt...

Nina Aholec

Nina Aholec

Mar 7, 2026

Nina Aholec, born on May 15, 1941, in Belarus, passed away on March 7, 2026, in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering devotion to family, faith, and community.

Nina’s remarkable life journey began as her family fled the devastation of World War II, moving from Belarus to Germany when she was a young girl, before ultimately...

Merrilee Jean Martin

Merrilee Jean Martin

Feb 23, 2026

Merrilee Jean Martin, beloved matriarch and dedicated professional, passed away on February 23, 2026, in Gurnee, Illinois. Born on April 27, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, Merrilee lived a life rich with purpose, achievement, and service to others.

Driven by a desire for justice and community safety, Merrilee joined the law enforcement sector, where she started as a police officer in Menlo...

Maria de Jesus Gutierrez

Maria de Jesus Gutierrez

Feb 23, 2026

La historia de María de Jesús Gutiérrez es, ante todo, la historia de una mujer extraordinaria. Una historia hermosa sobre una mujer hermosa, con una sonrisa y una risa capaces de iluminar cualquier lugar al que llegaba.María de Jesús nació en México, tierra que siempre llevó en su corazón, pero con valentía y esperanza decidió emprender un nuevo camino al...