Elaine Elizabeth Hoppe Mueller
Elaine Elizabeth Hoppe Mueller nee Witt completed her earthly journey peacefully on December 17, 2015. Only child to Walter and Elizabeth (nee Grubbe) Witt on August 12, 1922, Elaine often recalled a loving childhood playing baseball with her cousins and neighborhood boys. Raised in Riverside, Ill., she studied piano and graduated from RB High School, where she became smitten with Paul Howard Hoppe, choir director of Ascension Lutheran Church, Riverside. Their courtship was interrupted by WWII, but they married immediately upon his return from Europe.
Parents to Carol Elise and Paul Christian, their marriage came to an untimely end with Paul’s sudden death in 1969. Elaine reentered the workforce as an accountant for Lutheran Child and Family Services. In 1982 she married long-time friend and widower from Redeemer Church, Melvin Mueller. They enjoyed many wonderful traveling experiences together until Mel’s untimely death in 1996. Elaine threw herself into church activities, gardening, sewing, sculpting and tennis. She played tennis well into her 80’s when a broken wrist forced her to quit. She traveled extensively with her children to Europe, Alaska and across the country.
A loving mother and grandmother, known as Weaver (a nickname ascribed by her son for her sewing) and Grand Weaver by her grandchildren, she will be missed for her dry wit and generosity. Elaine is succeeded by daughter, Carol (John) Benda; son, Paul (Jan) Hoppe; grandchildren, Paul Andrew (fiancée Stacy Malcom) Benda, Elizabeth “Beth” (Kevin) Craig and Katherine “Katie” (Neal) Ozier; great grandchildren, Katelyn, Anna and Beckham. Funeral service was held December 22, 2015, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 345 S. Kenilworth, Elmhurst. Private Interment Mt. Emblem Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be appreciated for Redeemer Lutheran Church Building Fund. Arrangements provided by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Call (630) 834-3515 or visit ahlgrim.com for more information.
Brian Leonard, 45
Brian Leonard, of Bolingbrook and formerly of Elmhurst, passed away recently at the age of 45. Beloved husband of Michelle nee DeBenedictis; loving father of Tyler and Dylan; dear son of Brenda and Robert; brother of Tami (E.J.) desLauriers and the late Philip; son-in-law of Yvonne (Michael) Sperandeo and Michael (Dawn) DeBenedictis; brother-in-law of Lisa (Bill) Gilligan and Marissa and Samantha DeBenedictis; grandson of Doris Cannon, Julie DeBenedictis and Salvatore Sperandeo; uncle of Christi Land, Vincent Gilligan, Cody Maron, Kali Maron, Ashley Gilligan, Kassidy Maron, Brandon Gilligan, Jacob Gilligan and Mackenzie Gilligan; great uncle of Brody Gilligan, Ethan Jorgensen and Holland Gilligan. He was a regional coordinator for the Illinois Min-Pin Rescue and an avid bowler. Visitation and prayer service took place on December 18, 2015, at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brian Leonard Memorial Fund at gofundme.com/wdesvbfw. Arrangements provided by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Call (630) 834-3515 or visit ahlgrim.com for more information.
Donald J. Kreibich, 76
Donald J. Kreibich, 76, of Elmhurst, passed away recently. Beloved husband of Patricia J. nee Obrecht; loving father of Debbie (Terry) Karner and Jay (Debbie Fligor) Kreibich; grandfather of Bryce Karner, Katelyn Karner, Pierce Kreibich and Lance Fligor; brother of the late Allan Kreibich. Donald taught for 32 years at Carl Sandburg Middle School in Elmhurst. Memorial Services were held on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, 367 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst. Interment private. Arrangements provided by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Call (630) 834-3515 or visit ahlgrim.com for more information.
Walter William Schalk Jr., 82
Walter William Schalk Jr., an Elmhurst resident since 1959, died Dec. 10, 2015, at the age of 82. Beloved husband of the late Arlene Jean nee Korbel of 47 years, Walter is survived by his children, Walter III (Kristine), Wayne (Amy), and Karen (Kevin) Hultsch; his grandchildren, Courtney, Abby, William, Lauren and Sydney; his sister Dorothy and niece Pat (Ed). Walter, 82, was born in Chicago and lived his entire life in the Chicago area. A devoted husband, father and family man, Walter also devoted 45 years of his life as a Boy Scout leader, beginning with his sons in 1970, and then continuing on. Walter received countless accolades for his time, efforts and service as a scout leader. Walter will remain in the hearts of so many. Funeral services took place on Friday, December 18, 2015 at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst. Interment Oakridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be appreciated for the American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, or the Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council. Arrangements provided by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Call (630) 834-3515 or visit ahlgrim.com for more information.
