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Obituaries Today
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<div style='float:left; margin-right: 10px; width: 100px; text-align: center;'> <img style='max-width: 100px; max-height: 80px;' src='//cdn-otf-cas.prfct.cc/dfs1/eyJTMyI6InBob3Rvc1wvY3JlYXRlX3N0b3J5XC82OTFkZmIxODIxMmE0XC9kNzVlOTE1MGNmYWFhNDlhMGQyYzgyZGNlY2U5LmpwZyIsImIiOiJhZGFzLW9yZWdvbi1jYXMtb2JpdHMiLCJ3IjoxMDAsImgiOjEwMCwiZCI6NzJ9' /> </div><div style='float: left; width: 90%;'>Billie Jeanne (nee DeGrasse) Thomson, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, with her loving family by her side.Billie was born on Nov. 30, 1942 in Chicago to William and Dorothy DeGrasse. She was raised on the South Side, where she met the love of her life, Kenneth, at Trinity United Methodist Church.
They started dating in 1957. She graduated from Lindblom High School and would attend Augustana College with Ken in Rock Island, Ill. They would marry on June 6, 1964.Billie and Ken would build a life together in Elk Grove Village where they would raise their family of 10 children. She would fill their childhood homes with her arts and crafts, music and the love and care that she would instill in her classrooms later in life. It was also in Elk Grove where her and Ken would become integral members of Prince of Peace Methodist Church. It was there where Billie would hold various roles, including managing the nursery, coordinating church plays, singing in the choir and partnering with Ken in running the MYF youth group.As her children were growing up, Billie built a new legacy in education, where she continued to display her passion for
young children as a preschool teacher at the Hattendorf Center in Elk Grove Village and for many years at Jefferson School in Park Ridge as a special needs educator. She managed to also earn her Master's Degree in Education at Roosevelt University, all while continuing to raise young adults at home.Having made an immesurable impact on countless lives as a teacher, she would retire in 2013 where she would continue to spread her unconditional love and kindness to her growing family as grandchildren and great-grandchildren were added to the mix.Her world extended to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and the family summer home in Lake Geneva where countless memories were formed and cherished. Beyond her family and her classroom, her passions were the music of John Denver, serenading her loved ones with her piano and guitar playing, her
Jeep Wrangler and the Chicago White Sox. But in the end, it was her devotion to her family that kept her Forever Young.Billie was the beloved wife of 61 years to Ken; adoring mother to Michael (Teresa) Thomson, Cheri (Rick) Leidig, Kelly (Dave) Bryla, Beth (Scott) Stiff, Shani (Phil) Stahnke, Jeff (Laurie) Thomson, Erin (Joe) Cranston, Heather (Jay) Nordin, Keith Thomson and Kevin (Amy) Thomson; cherished Grandma Beej to 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and proud Dog Mom to three mini-daschunds.She was preceded in death by her loving parents, William and Dorothy DeGrasse.A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Garden Terrace at the Pavilion, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village, from 1 to 4pm, with a service at 2:30pm.Billie was long dedicated to helping children with autism, as both an educator and
Grandma to those on the spectrum. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in Billie's memory to Autism Society of America at autismsociety.org/donate. The family also wishes to extend it's gratitude to the many caretakers and nurses at Journey Care Pepper Family Hospice Care in Barrington, Ill. for their wonderful care of Billie during her final days.Billie will be remembered forever for the endless love and kindness that she spread to all facets of her life. To those who were fortunate to be close to her. To strangers. To nature. To the world around her. She lived life in full embrace of the things that she believed in: How right it is to love someone. How right it is to care.</div>
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<div style='float:left; margin-right: 10px; width: 100px; text-align: center;'> <img style='max-width: 100px; max-height: 80px;' src='//cdn-otf-cas.prfct.cc/dfs1/eyJTMyI6InBob3Rvc1wvY3JlYXRlX3N0b3J5XC82OGQ0NTQ5MzYxMWY3XC9hNzhiNjg5NTBiYTYxMjg5NTUxNGY4NzIyNWM5LmpwZyIsImIiOiJhZGFzLW9yZWdvbi1jYXMtb2JpdHMiLCJ3IjoxMDAsImgiOjEwMCwiZCI6NzJ9' /> </div><div style='float: left; width: 90%;'>Edward F. Palffy, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, passed away on November 7, 2025, after a short but valiant fight with cancer.He was born on October 5, 1935, in Osijek, Yugoslavia. World War II made refugees of Eddy and his parents; they found temporary safety in Vienna, Austria. In 1954, Eddy emigrated to the United
States in search of a better life. At age 21, he enlisted in the Army, where he served several years both active and reserve. He married in 1961. The couple raised three sons making Chicagoland their home. Eddy worked in tool making, mold making, design, and manufacturing, concluding his professional life in 2000 as a manufacturing engineer for the Marconi Company.He is survived by his beloved wife and lifelong companion of 64 years, Anne (nee Walter); and their sons, Carl (Cindy), Fred, and Rob (Christina). He was a proud grandfather to Alexander (Marisa), Karina (Devin), Natasha, Ella, and Payton; and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews whom he cared for deeply.Visitation Friday, November 21, 2025, 4:00-8:00 pm at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 8025 W. Golf Road, Niles.Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 am Saturday, November
22, 2025, at St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church, Niles. Interment to follow at Maryhill Cemetery, Niles.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Society of Danube Swabians of Chicago, 625 Seegers Rd.. Des Plaines, IL 60016, https://www.donauchicago.com, or The American Aid Society of German Descendents, 6540 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60631, https://www.americanaidsocietyofgd.org.Info, 847-581-0536.Arrangements by Meiszner Funeral Home.</div>
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<div style='float:left; margin-right: 10px; width: 100px; text-align: center;'> <img style='max-width: 100px; max-height: 80px;' src='//cdn-otf-cas.prfct.cc/dfs1/eyJTMyI6InBob3Rvc1wvY3JlYXRlX3N0b3J5XC82OTFkNjQ2MzQwMWZlXC9lYWYzODY4NzA2YTBiNmI5OWM2OTU4NTI5YjM2LmpwZyIsImIiOiJhZGFzLW9yZWdvbi1jYXMtb2JpdHMiLCJ3IjoxMDAsImgiOjEwMCwiZCI6NzJ9' /> </div><div style='float: left; width: 90%;'>Dan WilliamsDan Williams, 55, was promoted to Glory on November 5 2025, in Dallas, Texas. He was born on August 14, 1970, in Indianapolis, to Bob and Rita (nee McMullen) Williams. Dan's birth Mom, Rita went to be with the Lord in 2002. Kay (Rotramel) became Dan's new Mom in 2004. He had a brother, Steve,
who passed away in 1983 at age 14. In addition to Bob and Kay, Dan is survived by Kay's daughters, Amy (Marvin) Mason and Sara (Tony) Blair and their adult children, Connor (Erin) and Olivia Mason and Georgia and Jana Blair. He also is survived by many cousins and relatives, of special note is his cousin Keith, who has been like a brother. Many thanks to his Aunt Diane, who not only arranged for Dan's care-givers, but also served as another Mom to him. A most special person in Dan's life is Jackie Franklin who not only was a loving care-giver, but was with him every day since 2003. We cannot thank her enough for her care and dedication.Peter Philippi, pastor of Grace Bible Church-Rolling Meadows, will conduct a memorial service to be held at 2 pm on November 22, 2025, at Meadows Funeral Home, 3615 Kirchoff
Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008. Visitation will be at 1 pm that same day.The family requests no flowers but that memorials be made to MDA or your favorite charity in Dan's name.For the extended version, please go to MeadowsFH.com.</div>
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<div style='float:left; margin-right: 10px; width: 100px; text-align: center;'> <img style='max-width: 100px; max-height: 80px;' src='//cdn-otf-cas.prfct.cc/dfs1/eyJTMyI6InBob3Rvc1wvY3JlYXRlX3N0b3J5XC82OTFjMTJhYWI3NDE0XC82ZTNkMDZhZTRmMjBiM2I0OTNmMTc0YWM2ZmFhLmpwZyIsImIiOiJhZGFzLW9yZWdvbi1jYXMtb2JpdHMiLCJ3IjoxMDAsImgiOjEwMCwiZCI6NzJ9' /> </div><div style='float: left; width: 90%;'>Carolyn M. DeeganCarolyn M. Deegan, 87, of Elk Grove Village for 58 years. Born in Muscatine, Iowa, she passed away November 13, 2025.Carolyn was a retired nurse of 40 plus years. She was also an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking.Carolyn was the beloved wife of John J. "Jack" Deegan for 57 years; loving
mother of Patty (Dean) Bartolone, John Deegan, Mary Beth (Bob) Moauro, Cathy (Bob) DiDonato, Michael (Kristin) Deegan, Steven (Daiva) Deegan, Diane (Heiko) Stroehmann and Matt (Yezenia) Deegan; cherished grandmother of Megan (Eric), Kara, Robert (Kendra), Nick (Alyssa), Michael (Megan), Morgan, Jack, Caitlyn, Jennifer, Mikayla, Colleen, Michael, Sebastian, Ben, Alex and Averie and great-grandmother of Rory and Nolan.Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents, Edward and Agnes Hoffman; her sister, Rosemary and her brothers, Robert and Richard.Visitation Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 3 - 8pm at Grove Memorial Chapel, 1199 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Elk Grove Village.Chapel prayers Friday, November 21, at 9:15am, followed by a 10am Mass at Queen of the Rosary. Interment St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery,
Palatine.Info, 847-640-0566 or grovememorialchapel.com.</div>
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<div style='float:left; margin-right: 10px; width: 100px; text-align: center;'> <img style='max-width: 100px; max-height: 80px;' src='//cdn-otf-cas.prfct.cc/dfs1/eyJTMyI6InBob3Rvc1wvY3JlYXRlX3N0b3J5XC82OTFjMTJhYjVkMjhkXC9kMWVjYTkyYTZhN2FkZDdmYzI3MWNkNmM3MTZmLmpwZyIsImIiOiJhZGFzLW9yZWdvbi1jYXMtb2JpdHMiLCJ3IjoxMDAsImgiOjEwMCwiZCI6NzJ9' /> </div><div style='float: left; width: 90%;'>Jane Z. DietrickJane Z. Dietrich was born in Lake Forest, IL on April 14, 1939. She died on November 4, 2025.Daughter of Ralph and Mary Zengeler. Jane was the most beautiful, kind and wonderful person, loved being a wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all.She graduated from Loretta Heights College, including one year
of study in Europe. Jane taught school prior to raising her family.Jane is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dave; and four sons, David, Mark (Michelle), Brad (Jenny), Keith (Nicky); her sister, Marie; and many nieces and nephews.She loved to travel, play bridge and golf. Jane had six grandchildren, Danielle, Julia, Luke, Logan, Brady, Gavin; and one great-grandchild, Ximena.She was preceded in death by her brother, Bob; daughter-in-law, Peggy; and grandson, Michael.In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Jane's name to Catholic Charities or the charity of your choice.Visitation for Jane will take place from 10am to 11am on Friday, November 21, 2025, at St. Mary of the Annunciation, 22333 W. Erhart Rd., Mundelein, IL 60060. Funeral Mass will begin at 11am and burial with follow at St. Mary of the Annunciation
Cemetery.Arrangements have been entrusted to Gurnee Salata Funeral Home.</div>
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<div style='float:left; margin-right: 10px; width: 100px; text-align: center;'> <img style='max-width: 100px; max-height: 80px;' src='//cdn-otf-cas.prfct.cc/dfs1/eyJTMyI6InBob3Rvc1wvY3JlYXRlX3N0b3J5XC82OTFiZmNhMzU3MTgyXC83Yjc0YWM2YWE5ZDY3ZWEzZWMwYjRmNWVjZGI2LmpwZyIsImIiOiJhZGFzLW9yZWdvbi1jYXMtb2JpdHMiLCJ3IjoxMDAsImgiOjEwMCwiZCI6NzJ9' /> </div><div style='float: left; width: 90%;'>With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dearly beloved friend and family member. Although words can scarcely capture the depth of our sorrow, we come together to honor a life that brought immeasurable joy and love to all who were fortunate enough to know Gerald "Brent" Minor.Brent was born on
September 25, 1939, in Wheeling, West Virginia and was raised in Moundsville, West Virginia. He moved to Chicago, IL in 1961 and had a very successful 42-year career in the banking industry. He and his wife of 64 years, Eloise, raised their three children in Des Plaines, IL and later moved to Mt. Prospect, IL. He enjoyed a second home in Ft. Myers, FL. Brent left this world on November 16, 2025. Brent modeled his life on Luke 12:48 - "to whom much is given, much will be required". This played out in his 60-year dedication to supporting the March of Dimes and many years supporting the Greater State Street Council. Brent brought passion to everything he loved - all sports (but especially the Cubs and Bears), travel, golfing, socializing with friends and family. Brent never met a stranger and loved getting to know people.
Those blessed to have shared in his life include his wife, Eloise; children - Jamie Curcio (Paul Carlino), Scott Minor (Laura), and Dawn Minor; grandchildren - Jordan Davidson, Alexander Curcio (Amanda), Ethan Davidson (Sarah), Kaitlin Davidson, and Jason Minor (Jamie Pintozzi); 12 great grandchildren; and 2 nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Harold Minor, his brother, Kent Minor, and in-laws Virginia and Edward Guenther. Brent was a wonderful role model and his legacy shines through his children and grandchildren. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Hts., IL. On Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10:30 am, we will be celebrating Brent's wonderful life at Trinity
Lutheran Church, 675 E, Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL. All who were touched by his generous spirit are invited to gather, share memories, and find comfort together in honoring someone who gave so much to the world.Though he may no longer be with us in physical presence, his love will always remain a guiding force in our lives. Rest peacefully, dear Brent; you will live in our hearts forever.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in remembrance of Brent to the Chicago Chapter of the March of Dimes; Attn: Brent Minor Tribute, 3023 North Clark Street, PO box 263, Chicago, IL 60657, or on his memorial site at https://p2p.onecause.com/marchofdimes/in-memory-of-brent-minor.</div>
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<div style='float:left; margin-right: 10px; width: 100px; text-align: center;'> <img style='max-width: 100px; max-height: 80px;' src='//cdn-otf-cas.prfct.cc/dfs1/eyJTMyI6InBob3Rvc1wvY3JlYXRlX3N0b3J5XC82OTFiNDNmNTBjMWI2XC8zYjk1MmI0YjRjNThlOTk4ZGY1YzgwNGRhZGZjLmpwZyIsImIiOiJhZGFzLW9yZWdvbi1jYXMtb2JpdHMiLCJ3IjoxMDAsImgiOjEwMCwiZCI6NzJ9' /> </div><div style='float: left; width: 90%;'>In Loving Memory ofDonald W. PiggottApril 4, 1948 - Nov. 17, 2013Those we love don't go away,they walk beside us everyday.Unseen, unheard but always near.Still loved, still missed and very dear.A guardian angel watching over us forever.Your wife, Carolchildren,Christine (Sean), Mark (Sarah)and
grandchildren,Taylor (Charles), Tanner, Blake and Luke</div>
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<div style='float:left; margin-right: 10px; width: 100px; text-align: center;'> <img style='max-width: 100px; max-height: 80px;' src='//cdn-otf-cas.prfct.cc/dfs1/eyJTMyI6InBob3Rvc1wvY3JlYXRlX3N0b3J5XC82OTFiNDNmNGVjYzExXC8xM2IxNDU5YjQzMmM4MzY5NzRlOTk5MGYwMWU4LmpwZyIsImIiOiJhZGFzLW9yZWdvbi1jYXMtb2JpdHMiLCJ3IjoxMDAsImgiOjEwMCwiZCI6NzJ9' /> </div><div style='float: left; width: 90%;'>Cheryl CizekWe Miss you.Love, Your Family</div>
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<div style='float:left; margin-right: 10px; width: 100px; text-align: center;'> <img style='max-width: 100px; max-height: 80px;' src='//cdn-otf-cas.prfct.cc/dfs1/eyJTMyI6InBob3Rvc1wvY3JlYXRlX3N0b3J5XC82OTE5ZWEwM2RmZGIxXC9jN2I5MTFkZTZiZTQ4OWRmMmU0YjYyY2Y2ZTllLmpwZyIsImIiOiJhZGFzLW9yZWdvbi1jYXMtb2JpdHMiLCJ3IjoxMDAsImgiOjEwMCwiZCI6NzJ9' /> </div><div style='float: left; width: 90%;'>Betty B. Launer, 87, of Arlington Heights, formerly of Mount Prospect, passed away October 31, 2025. Born February 12, 1938, in Crawford County, WI. Beloved wife of the late Witold; loving mother of Anita Ekman (Steve) and stepmother of Jeffrey (Rebeca) Launer and the late Paul and Elizabeth Launer; cherished grandmother
of Bryan (Emily), Aubrey, and Sarah; great-grandmother of Charlotte; dear sister of the late Ken Burton, Ann Loken, and Darlene Radel; fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.Betty was a longtime federal employee with 34 years at the Social Security Administration, a 19-year member of the District 57 Board of Education, and a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights.Memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Visitation begins at 10 am followed by the service at 11 am.</div>
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<div style='float:left; margin-right: 10px; width: 100px; text-align: center;'> <img style='max-width: 100px; max-height: 80px;' src='//cdn-otf-cas.prfct.cc/dfs1/eyJTMyI6InBob3Rvc1wvY3JlYXRlX3N0b3J5XC82OTFiNDNmNTA5MzYxXC9jMTk1NjhiMTE3OTlmOTQyODA0YjQzM2UzOTBlLmpwZyIsImIiOiJhZGFzLW9yZWdvbi1jYXMtb2JpdHMiLCJ3IjoxMDAsImgiOjEwMCwiZCI6NzJ9' /> </div><div style='float: left; width: 90%;'>Geraldine Gail "Gerri" Guerra Mize Ms. Geraldine Gail "Gerri" Guerra Mize, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home on October 26, 2025, in Naperville, Illinois, surrounded by family.She was born on April 19, 1941, in Berwyn, Illinois, to her parents, Tony and Sophie (Zmuda) Guerra.
She was the eldest child and only daughter of four children.Gerri, a devoted mother, is survived by her sons, John (Ken Hickey) Gjersoe, Robert (Sandra Frink) Gjersoe, and Jeffrey (Cassia) Gjersoe. She was cherished by her brothers, Tony (Kathy) Guerra and Thomas (Annette) Guerra; as well as her sister-in-law, Carolyn (Bogden) Guerra; and many close cousins, relatives, and friends.She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Raymond Guerra.Gerri graduated from Morton East High School in Cicero, Illinois. She maintained a lifelong connection to her alma mater by serving on reunion committees, reflecting the enduring ties to her community and friends.Gerri was always thoughtful and caring, always remembering families' and friends' birthdays and celebrations.One of her greatest strengths was developing
friendships and surrounding herself with wonderful people. She was known for the warmth she brought to those around her.In her later years, Gerri remained actively involved in many senior community activities. Her favorite events were attending bingo games at the Senior Center in Lisle, Illinois, or attending classes and presentations at The Center (a spiritual and community center offering a peaceful retreat for people of all backgrounds) in Palos Park, Illinois.May her memory bring comfort and peace to all who knew and loved her.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in remembrance of Gerri to The Center, Palos Park, Illinois, the Lisle Senior Center, Lisle, Illinois, The American Cancer Society nearest you, or a charity of your choice.A memorial service will be announced at a later date.</div>
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