Monthly Obits

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.

January 2026

Lisa Pahnke Goens '69
Robert Manusos - Counselor
John Carle '65
Ted Gregory '96
Ronald Nakamura '83
James Pedersen '65
Joseph Wehlacz '64

		Lisa Pahnke Goens - Class '69 Lise Elie Goens (nee Pahnke), age 75, of Mentor, OH, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026. Lise was born on December 7, 1950, in Chicago, IL, to Elie Pahnke and Robert Pahnke, both of whom preceded her in death. She was raised in Des Plaines, IL, and graduated from Maine West High School in 1969, where she was very active in school functions and activities, always accompanied by her three lifelong friends: Donna DeFranco, Carol Beam, and Nancy Lilja. Following in her father's footsteps, Lise enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, completing training at Parris Island before moving on to her next duty station at Camp Lejeune. There, she met her former husband, John Goens III, also a serving Marine. They later married and had three children. During their service, they were stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA; Quantico, VA; Great Lakes Naval Base, IL; and Twentynine Palms, CA, where Lise began her lifelong love affair with Joshua Tree National Park. While in Twentynine Palms, Lise began working as an ESL teacher and volunteered during the summers assisting with Special Education summer camps. It was there that she discovered her true passion: working with children with special needs. In 1988, Lise moved to Ohio and began a career with the Positive Education Program (PEP), where she worked with children experiencing behavioral challenges. Over a remarkable 30-year career, she devoted her life to helping young people thrive, inspiring countless students to reach their potential. Even after retiring, she continued working in the PEP library, remaining a source of encouragement and inspiration to her students. Although Lise was proud of her professional accomplishments, her most cherished roles were always those of wife, mother, and grandmother. In her free time, Lise was an avid gardener and deeply enjoyed spending time with her family. While she was not an enthusiastic traveler, she did make a memorable trip to Australia, where she delighted in the wildlife. especially emus, and enthusiastically embraced the local Italian bakeries, famously remarking that she never met a piece of bread in Sydney she didn't like. Lise will be remembered for her warm sense of humor and the love and support she gave so freely to others. She touched the lives of her many students and the family she loved so dearly. Lise is survived by her three children: John Goens IV (Kerry), Elisa Houser (William), and Anneliese Goens; and her six beloved grandchildren, Jordan, Elie, Elise, Robert, Grayson, and Henry, whom she loved beyond measure. She is also survived by her sister, Elsa Pahnke (Michael Barry), of Sydney, Australia. Private cremation and interment are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations to Fieldstone Farm therapeutic riding center in her name would be greatly appreciated. Lise volunteered there for several years. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Immigrant Son Brewery, 18120 Sloane Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107.

		Robert Manusos - Counselor Robert T. Manusos, 91, of Arlington Heights, IL, passed away Jan. 7, 2026. He was born May 16, 1934. Mr. Manusos was a loved and respected Counselor at Maine West High School for 25 years. He leaves behind his loving wife, Carolyn. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Enda Catholic Church in Arlington Heights on Jan. 31, 2026. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. with the Mass beginning at 10 a.m.

		John Carle - Class '65 John H. Carle, 79, of Arlington Heights, IL passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2026, in Cancun Mexico. John was born August 27, 1946, in Chicago IL and grew up in Des Plaines, IL the middle child of Gloria (nee Krueger) and John H Carle Sr. He graduated from Maine West High School, received a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh. John taught at Maine West High School in Des Plaines for over 30 years, in addition to coaching swimming and diving and instructing lifeguards. He also managed the aquatics programs for the Des Plaines park district for many years. He was very passionate about scouting and was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow where he was Vigil Honor member. John was also the long-time scout master of Troop 114 in Des Plaines. He received the Silver Beaver award, a prestigious council-level distinguished service award presented by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to adult volunteers for their outstanding service to youth. Not only did he enjoy being apart of the Scouts, he also volunteered extensively with the Red Cross and Special Olympics, doing lifeguard training and announcing state swim meets. When John wasn’t volunteering, he liked to get outside and was an avid sailor, spending many happy hours on Lake Michigan on his sailboat, Leander. He loved skiing and skied often in Colorado. Michigan and Europe. He also enjoyed scuba diving, traveling to Belize and other Caribbean locations to do so. John is survived by his beloved partner Eva-Maria Rill and family; sister, Donna (Tom) Tennison and sister-in-law, Judi (Tim Shideler) Carle. He also leaves behind his cherished nephew Todd (Amy) Tennison, nieces Kristin (Steve) Fox, Megan (Michi) Kozel, Jill (Andy Rottas) Carle. and Melinda Keen. He was the fond great uncle to Nicholas, Emily, Connor, Cooper, Landon, Theodore, Eleanor, Amelia and Benjamin. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gloria (nee Krueger) and John H. Carle Sr., his wife, Karen Morton Carle and his brother Kent “KC” Carle. John will be missed greatly by those he trained and mentored for years, as well as many cherished friends who were very important to him. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 3 to 8 pm at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL. Visitation will continue Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL from 9:30 am until time of service at 10:30 am. Interment will be private.

		Ted Gregory - Class '96 Ted E. Gregory age 47 lifelong resident of Des Plaines, Illinois passed away on January 11, 2026 in Park Ridge, Illinois. He was born on October 2, 1978 in Park Ridge, Illinois. Ted was the loving son of Nancy (nee Arnold) and (the late Teddy Lee Gregory). Dear brother of Amy (Michael) Mc Donough. Proud uncle to Kathryn and Matthew. Ted enjoyed spending time at Great America and Disney World. Visitation will be on Thursday January 15, 2026 beginning at 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at G. L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016. Funeral Service will be taking place on Friday, January 16, 2026 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois. For information please call the funeral home at (847) 699-9003.

		Ronald Nakamura - Class '83 Ronald S. Nakamura, 60, of Brookfield, WI, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026. An incredibly loving and supportive husband and father. His curiosity, ability to listen and kindness drew people to him. Ron is survived by his wife, Pam, and son, Keith (Bethany) Nakamura. Born in Chicago on February 8, 1965, son of Mae and Paul. Ron graduated from Maine West High School in Des Plaines, IL and later from University of Illinois Chicago. He would go on to meet his wife Pam while working for the American Medical Association in Chicago. They would move to Brookfield, WI to raise a family. He completed his education with an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Ron loved vacationing, boating, fishing, and hiking in Door County, even winning a biggest fish of the month contest in the process. He took great pride in the many boats and the plethora of fishing gear he owned throughout the years. Ron's ability to strike up a meaningful conversation with a complete stranger at a party or while walking the dog was truly unmatched. Ron was a loving and dedicated father who never missed a sporting event or after-school activity. Ron was also a leader in his community, serving as a coach on many of his son's sports teams and as the Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 56. He will be greatly missed. Gathering will be at UNITY Lutheran Church – Cross of Life Campus, 20700 West North Avenue, Brookfield, WI, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Service will occur at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to HAWS, the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County.

		James Pedersen - Class '65 It is with profound sorrow we announce the passing of James Warren Pedersen, 78, of Garner, NC, a beloved father, brother, and grandfather who stepped into eternity on January 27, 2026. He was born on March 22, 1947, in Chicago, IL to Warren Martin Pedersen and Peggy Jean (Wilkinson) Pedersen, now deceased. James blessed the lives of all that knew him with his kind, generous, carefree, and tenderhearted spirit. His presence will be sorely missed. Mourning his loss are his two cherished daughters, Michelle Dunmire (Jeff) and Donna Kelly, and his brothers, Michael Pedersen (Linda) and Thomas Pedersen (Deborah). James was the proud and loving grandfather of Patrick, Courtney, and Connor Dunmire, Amy Kelly, Caitlin Kelly Wall (Trey), and Jody Kelly, and great-grandson, Morgan Wall. His legacy will continue to shine bright through them. In 1967, James married the love of his life, the late Jackie Pedersen. Their bond remains an inspirational testament to enduring love. James Pedersen will be fondly remembered for his service to his country during the Vietnam war, a testament to his bravery and commitment. Closer to home, his dedication to the community was evident in his role as a Sunday school teacher. He relished the opportunity to mold young minds, imparting lessons of kindness and empathy. As we mourn the loss of James Pedersen, let it serve as a reminder of the impact one man can make through acts of love, generosity, and service. In his last few days, Jim shared in depth about all his favorite things, and his desire to have some experiences again. Let's all take this reminder to live each day to its fullest. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

		Joseph Wehlacz - Class '64 Joseph Theodore Wehlacz, 79, of Indianpolis, IN, passed away on January 28, 2026. He was born on May 29, 1946. Joseph is survived by his beloved daughters, Jennifer Susan Wehlacz and Amy Elizabeth Wehlacz, and his sister, Dorothy Robb. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Wehlacz; his father, Theodore Wehlacz; and his sisters, Paula Spakoski, Julie Burnett and Cynthia Smith. Joseph attended high school in Des Plaines, IL, where his talent on the basketball court helped earn him a scholarship to Memphis State University. He went on to complete his Bachelor's Degree and later earned a Master's Degree in Library and Computer Sciences from Indiana University, blending his love of learning with a forward-looking curiosity about technology. Joseph spent 35 years as an information scientist at Eli Lilly, where he built a respected and fulfilling career before retiring. Retirement did not slow him down-he generously volunteered at the local library, worked part-time at Barnes & Noble for 18 years, and traveled often to visit friends near and far. One of Joseph's greatest joys was visiting his high school friend Tom Roskwoski in New Mexico, where he loved attending the hot air balloon festival whenever he could. He treasured lifelong friendships, good conversations, books, and the simple pleasure of time well spent. In Joseph's memory, the family welcomes donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. And, in true Joseph fashion, he would also appreciate a beer raised and enjoyed in his honor. He will be deeply missed and fondly remember by all who knew and loved him. Arrangements have been handled by Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, 1444 W US HWY 52, Fountaintown, Indiana 46130. Online condolences can be made on online at www.bellmortuary.com.