DONALD W. BESLER
Donald W. Besler, 74, of East Peoria, passed away at 4:45 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2020, at his home with his family by his side.
He was born October 4, 1945, in Chicago, IL to the late Richard and Francis Weibel Besler.
He married Geraldine Harris in Villa Park on June 4, 1966. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Don and Gary Besler; two grandchildren, Rachael and Quinn Besler; sister-in-law, Carol Besler; several nieces and nephews; and his four legged companion, Barney. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dora Mae; and brother, Richard.
Donald was a United States Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. Following his military service he was a successful entrepreneur who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He will be dearly missed.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, September 10, at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington with social distancing and face coverings.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Historic Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, where he and his wife enjoyed taking long walks.
Donald’s memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com where condolences may also be sent to the family.
ANNA BIENASZ
Anna Bienasz, nee Bickel, age 94, of Lombard, died Sept. 8, 2020, at her home.
Arrangements are pending at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard.
Visit www.brustfuneralhome.com or call 888-629-0094 for information.
LILLIAN T. DELAURIE
Lillian T. DeLaurie of Lombard, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Sept. 2, 2020, on her 86th birthday.
Services will be scheduled later this fall. The obituary on our website will be updated when more information is available.
Arrangements were made by Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Visit www.brustfuneralhome.com or call 888-629-0094 for information.
JOSEPH SCHRANTZ
Joseph Andrew Schrantz, who was born July 30, 1929, in Maricopa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Sept. 1, 2020, at the age of 91, surrounded by his family and “with Angels by his
side.”
Son of William and Kay Schrantz, (nee Levans). Brother of Pat Adams
(deceased), (Pauline) (deceased), William Schrantz (deceased), Nancy Davey (nee Schrantz) (deceased). Uncle of George Davey (deceased), Kevin Adams, Keith Adams and Kristine Barr (nee Adams); nephew and cousin to many.
Loving husband of the late Dorothy Schrantz (nee O’Donnell). Brother-in-law of the late John O’Donnell.
Beloved father of the late Katie (Paul), the late Tommy, Peggy, Annie (Gary), Barb (Linda), Jeanne, Trish (Mike), Therese (Wayne).
Proud esteemed grandfather of Dan, Carolyne (Peter), Jenny (Bruno), Mandi (John), Becca (Jose), Jake, Robert, Clair, Garrett (Mimi), Brad (Grace), Max (Jess), Luke, Toby, Frankie, Dusty, Anthony (Rochelle), Joey (Kim), Sam (Reina), Nick, Kevin (Julia), Kurt (Becca), Tommy, Johnny, Alex, Ryan, Mikey and Elise, great-grandfather of Lily, Cayden and Madeleine.
Staring out the window of St. Mary’s Convent and orphanage in Phoenix, Arizona, as his mother slowly walked away, Joe, at the young age of 3, and his older siblings could not have known it would be the last time they would ever be with her. Joe believes that he saw her once more in the back of the church as he made his First Communion. He would spend the rest of his life searching for his mother, to
no avail, not even a death certificate. In 1939, Joe was separated from his siblings and, over the years, was placed in
four different foster homes.
After foster home placement, Joe entered the famous Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska. Once there, Joe was assigned many different duties such as, washing dishes, cleaning and serving food. Eventually, Joe earned the high privilege of acting as Father Flanagan’s butler. Remarkably, he was elected Mayor of Boys Town after only two years and proceeded to be valedictorian of his graduating class of 45 boys.
Upon graduation of Boys Town, Joe joined the U. S. Navy. He saved every penny of his salary, keeping in mind his goal of earning a college degree. After three years, he had earned a modest sum of $1,600. While in the Navy, he met his Sweetie Pie, Dorothy O’Donnell. It was love at first sight.
Joe applied and was accepted at the University of Notre Dame, paying his own tuition of $250 per semester. He rented a room at 330 N. Notre Dame Avenue for $1 a day. His college days were littered with obstacles from juggling a full class schedule and a fulltime job with a local grocer, to being called back to active duty in the Navy for the Korean War, to marrying and having two of his eventual eight children. Despite these exceptionally difficult circumstances, in 1957 Joe succeeded in graduating from Notre Dame with a degree in journalism.
Joe was eternally optimistic, when asked how he was, he would reply, “I feel like a million bucks,” or “couldn’t be better.” When visiting with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he would always say “you’re growin’ like a weed.” He had a great positive attitude. He was extremely welcoming and unconditionally compassionate.
He was a voracious learner. After mastering a subject, he would quickly dive head-first into a new subject, only to master it as well. A brilliant man.
Lastly, Joe will be remembered by the great pride he took as he talked about and demonstrated the 100 pushups he did every single day.
Joe was loved by many and will be greatly missed. “We love you.”
Due to Covid-19, memorial services are private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Boys Town. Arrangements by Steuerle Funeral Home. Info: 630-832-4161.
GUADALUPE STABOLITO
Guadalupe Stabolito, age 89, of Lombard, died Sept. 2, 2020, at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Due to the COVID-19 virus, all services are private.
Arrangements were made by Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard. Visit www.brustfuneralhome.com or call 888-629-0094.
