Obituaries

We will update the list of names of our deceased warriors on a monthly basis. We will not place a person on this list with hearsay, second hand, information. Send us a link to the obituary, noting the date and name of the newspaper from which it was taken. If you don't have the obit, then you must be related to, or a close friend who attended the wake, funeral or memorial service.

September 2026
Patricia Fiedler Demarco '73
Elizabeth Reed Duffy - Teacher
Robert Bending '68
Patricia Fiedler Demarco - Class '73
Patricia Ann Demarco (nee Fiedler), age 71, of Elk Grove Village, IL, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 1, 1955 in Chicago, IL to David Wayne Fiedler and Margaret Lois Fiedler. Formerly of Des Plaines, IL, she moved to Elk Grove Village with her loving husband, Andrew Demarco of 49 years. They went on to have their daughter; Angela Marie (Kevin) Wille and their son; Nicholas David Demarco. Grandmother to Paulina Brielle and Willa Monroe and sister to David Fiedler, Deborah (Mike) Schuster and James (Terry) Fiedler. Patricia spent most of her life being the best stay at home mom. She did everything for her children and loved them with her whole heart and soul. She was the most wonderful mom anyone could ask for. May she rest in peace. In lieu of flowers; please consider donating to the ASPCA. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 9am until the time of chapel service at 12pm at Grove Memorial Chapel, 1199 S. Arlington Heights Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007.
Elizabeth Reed Duffy - Teacher
Elizabeth Jeanne Duffey, 94, of Oregon finally broke free of that which restrained her for far too many years. Despite being confined to a wheelchair for over ten years, she remained upbeat and was a constant source of inspiration to family and friends. Born May 10, 1932, in Chicago, IL, to Charles & Marie Duffey, Betty Boop lived a life full of adventure and was likely in the middle of cooking up another even as she breathed her last. Baby sister to Charles, Mary, and Peggy; partner to James Reed; mother of Joseph, William, Thomas, David, AnnMarie, John, and Mary; grandmother of Kevin, Matthew, Robert, Sarah, Ryan, Taylor, Daniel, Catie, Christian, Allison, Rachael, Caroline, Reilly, SaraBeth, Christopher, and Ashley; great-grandmother to Julia, Margot, Joseph, Henry, Jacob, Charles, Halle, Lucy, Olivia, and Andrew; friend and confidante to countless others during her 94 years on earth. Betty graduated from DePaul University in the mid-1950s and returned to earn her master’s degree in the 1970s. Utilizing her accounting education, she taught various business accounting classes at Maine West High School in Des Plaines, IL, in addition to night school courses at Oakton Community College. She also maintained a thriving tax practice until 2020. While she lived most of her life in Chicago and its suburbs, those of us in Oregon’s Willamette Valley were blessed with her presence as she called it home for the last five years. We will have a Celebration of Life in Gurnee at the Viking Park dance hall from 2pm-5pm, Sep. 19, 2026 at 4374 Old Grand Ave Gurnee, IL 60031.
  Robert Bending - Class '68
Robert A. "Bob" Bending, 76, of Hoffman Estates, IL, passed away Sep. 4, 2026. Bob was a proud Vietnam Veteran, who carried with him a deep sense of dedication and service. Bob was a proud and dedicated member of the Midwest Operating Engineers, Local 150, where he worked as an Operator. He also served as Superintendent of Asphalt Paving at Accupaving, dedicating 45 years to his career. Bob was very proud of the work he accomplished and the career he built, but he was even more proud of his family and the life they built together. Bob shared 37 years with the love of his life, Bonnie and their 3 boys. Despite his towering 6-foot-4 stature, Bob had a gentle and caring heart and was always concerned for the safety and well-being of his family. Bob found joy in the simple things in life. He had a lifelong love of Corvettes, NASCAR and enjoyed spending time with his tools, tackling household projects. Bob took pride in fixing or building things himself. His beloved dog, Gabby, was a constant companion and brought him countless moments of happiness. Bob will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his dedication to his country, his love of cars and racing, and his willingness to lend a hand. Most of all, he will be remembered as a devoted family man whose greatest pride was not in his accomplishments or stature, but in the people he loved and cared for so deeply. Loving husband of Gail Bending, nee Henquinet and the late Bonnie Bending, nee Lundman; devoted father of Rob (Sharon) Bending, John (Brit) Bending and Noah (Katie) Bending; stepfather of Stephanie Nikodem and Samantha (Cody) Danek; cherished grandfather of Jakson Bending, Mackenzie Bending, Connor Bending, Lucas Bending, Matthew Bending and Drew Bending; step-grandfather of Rhodes Danek; beloved brother of Edward "Bud" (Mary Quinlivan) Bending, Harry "Corky" (Carole) Bending, Jacqueline (the late Richard "Dick") Gadzinski, the late Jonquil Bending and the late David (the late Mary) Bending. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 4:00 to 9:00 P.M. at Morizzo Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2550 West Hassell Road, (Northeast corner at Barrington Road), Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60169; and Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 9:00 A.M. until time of prayers at 10:00 A.M.. Interment to follow at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, Schaumburg.