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.

October 2026
Theodore Lange '76
Peter Burchard '73
Gregory Bergner '83
Richard Gancarz '85
Terry Koter '69
Hafid Alicea '26
John Peterson '80
John Trickey '66
David Dowell '61
  Theodore Lange - Class '76
Theodore A. Lange, age 68, of Palatine, IL, passed away September 26, 2026. Beloved husband of Carole, nee Bentle, for 38 years; loving father of Adam and Ryan; cherished brother of Barbara (James) Citti, John Lange and Joseph (Elan) Lange. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward J. Lange and Grace LaVerne Lange. Ted is also survived by many nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and great-nephews and countless friends. Born in Chicago, IL on April 4, 1958, Ted was raised on Ash Street in Des Plaines, IL, living the quintessential 1960's childhood of playing ball in the street, riding his bike all around the neighborhood and beyond and coming in when the street lights came on. After graduating from Maine West High School in 1976, Ted started his business, The Fine Line, providing hand painted car pinstriping for various dealerships and body shops, expanding to sign creation and vinyl applications for numerous businesses. Ted's passing leaves a huge void in the life of everyone he knew and loved. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and mischievous grin, his spirit of adventure, pride in his work, his dedication to his family and especially, his devotion to caring for his wife, Carole. Life brought no challenge too great for Ted to accept or conquer. Along with his loving and giving spirit, Ted will be remembered for his incredible ability to quote, word for word, from numerous movies and TV shows. Being part of a weekly trivia team was something he looked forward to every Wednesday evening. He was a big fan of alternative rock music and attended a myriad of concerts in his lifetime. Ted was a lexophile and enjoyed using his newly acquired words in his everyday conversation. He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Blackhawks and was fortunate to celebrate multiple championships with them. One of his biggest passions, though, was cars - cars he owned as well as motor sports. After owning a diverse assortment of cars, he was able to purchase his dream car – a white 1984 Mustang GT 5.0 convertible. Ted could, and would, strike up a conversation with anyone he was around, a trait he acquired from his dear mother. He absorbed a keen attention to detail and pride in his work from his dear father. A Celebration of Ted's Life will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1190 N. Hicks Road. Palatine, IL. Info @ www.williams-kampp.com or (630) 668-0016. In lieu of flowers donations appreciated to the family in care of Carole Lange.
Peter Burchard - Class '73
Peter T. Burchard, 71, of Geneva, IL, beloved husband of Denise E. Burchard (née Pultorak), passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with ALS. Peter lived his life guided by faith, family, friendship, service, and a genuine love for people. He believed deeply in showing up for others, whether that meant serving his community, helping a friend or family member, or simply being there when someone needed him. Peter and Denise shared 38 years of marriage, family, laughter, faith, and countless adventures. He is survived by Denise and their three children: Stephanie (Corwin) Lawrence of Madison, WI; Lauren (Jake) Harris of St. Louis, MO; and David Burchard of Geneva, IL. His greatest joy was his family, especially his six cherished grandchildren: Nellodee, Orson, Judah, Deacon, Dorothea, and Aspen. Peter treasured his role as a grandfather and the unique relationships he built with each of them. He took great pride in watching them grow, and they brought him immeasurable joy. Peter is also survived by his siblings Jack (Peg) Burchard, Matt (Carol) Burchard, Luke (Pam) Burchard, Dorothy (Dan) Dexl, Paul (Lisa Durack) Burchard, Peg Manning, Jim Burchard, and Katy (Bob) Klages, along with a very large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, their spouses, and the Pultorak family, including Georgia, John, Cheryl, Allison, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dorothy Burchard; his brother, Mark; his father-in-law, Tom Pultorak; and one particularly important childhood and lifelong hero, Ernie Banks. Peter grew up in Des Plaines, IL, where he attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Maine West High School. He went on to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and later studied International Relations at Salzburg College in Austria. He graduated from NIU with degrees in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration. Peter served as Village Manager in Hoffman Estates and City Manager in Naperville. He also worked as Chief Operating Officer for a healthcare company in Augusta, GA; taught at NIU; and worked as a public- and private-sector consultant. He served on numerous boards and organizations, including the Northern Illinois University Alumni Association, the Alliance for Innovation, the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy, and the Board of Directors of Hoffman Estates Medical Center, where he served as president. And then there was Peter’s “side gig.” For 50 years, he worked as an auctioneer, lending his quick wit, booming voice, and considerable ability to persuade people to charitable events throughout the region. He particularly enjoyed auctioneering for charitable causes, including events benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Chicago, where he even found himself sharing the stage with celebrities such as Howie Mandel. For more than ten years, Peter also led Sunday morning worship services at Lee Manor Nursing Home in Des Plaines. Peter faced ALS with remarkable courage. During his final months, his family witnessed something that would become one of the greatest gifts of his life: an endless stream of family and friends coming through the door. There were visits, prayers, stories, laughter, tears, and countless moments that his family will treasure forever. Peter often said that his family and friends were his “treatment program.” Peter will be remembered for his faith, his generosity, his sense of humor, his love of family, his devotion to public service, and his remarkable ability to make people feel welcome and valued. He had a gift for making connections, making people laugh, and making sure no one felt like a stranger for very long. His legacy is not found only in the positions he held, the organizations he served, or the many people he helped along the way. It lives in the family he loved, the friendships he nurtured, the communities he served, and the countless people who were better for having known him. Visitation will be held at Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 W. State St., Geneva, IL 60134, on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue the following morning at 9:00 a.m. at Chapelstreet Church, 2300 South St,. Geneva, IL, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery, 1206 N. 5th Ave., St. Charles, Illinois 60174.
Gregory Bergner - Class '83
Gregory Todd Bergner, age 61, a resident of Naples, FL for 10 years, formerly of Des Plaines, IL, passed away September 24, 2026. He was born May 29, 1965 in Chicago, IL. Beloved son of Patrick and the late Janet (nee Smallarz). Loving brother of Patrick J. (Deidre), the late Gerald, and the late Jason Bergner. Dear uncle of Peyton, Ethan, Julia, and Keira Bergner. Greg was very loved by his family, and he enjoyed time spent with his nieces and nephews. Easygoing and friendly, he easily made friends with everyone he met. Greg will be deeply missed by those who knew him. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, October 14, 2026 beginning with visitation from 4:00 pm until the time of service at 7:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9903 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.
Richard Gancarz - Class '85
Richard Anthony Gancarz (AKA Ricky, #88, Rickaroo, and Dad) passed away peacefully on Sunday October 11, 2026 at age 59 in the comfort of his home with family. Ricky was born on March 22, 1967 in Des Plaines, IL. Rick was the beloved owner of RK's Bar and Grill, an accomplished 16-inch softball player, great friend, and loving family member. Ricky built a long and successful career rooted in hard work and relationships. He spent 10 years working as a butcher for Jewel before joining Euclid Beverage, where he served as a district manager for over two decades. During those years, he met many of the people who would become part of his wide and lasting network but most importantly friends who became family. Drawing on that experience and the connections he had built, Ricky and his wife Karri opened RK's Bar and Grill. To know Ricky was to love him. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed, valued, and at home. Ricky always knew how to bring a smile and a laugh to any moment by his quick wit and unforgettable stories. His kindness and genuine love for people made him a friend to countless individuals throughout his life. Whether it was over a shot of Rumple Minze, a ballgame, or a simple conversation, Ricky had a way of making people feel special, appreciated, and happy to be in his company. Rick leaves behind his beloved wife Karri Gibas Gancarz (children Maxwell Gancarz, Kendra Gancarz, Beau Gancarz), his father Richard (RIP) and Barbara Gancarz. Included are also Scott and Vicky McGrath, Michael Gibas Sr., and siblings (Dennis Gancarz, Susie (James) Reagan and Michael Jr Gibas, along with cherished nieces and nephews. He is survived by his loving family, dear friends, loyal patrons, former teammates, and the extended community that became his second family. Though he is no longer with us, his laughter, warmth, and unwavering kindness will never be forgotten. A celebration of Ricky's life will be held: Sunday, October 18th from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Golf Club of Illinois, 1575 Edgewood Dr., Algonquin, Illinois, 60102-4131
Terry Koter - Class '69
Terry A. Koter, 75, of Des Plaines, passed away on October 8, 2026, following a brief illness. A natural entertainer with a lifelong love of music and a big heart for the people he loved, Terry leaves behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and music that will continue to live on. Terry was a devoted father to his two girls, Kayley (Nick) Taddeo and Brittney (Terra Ringo) Koter, a very proud grandpa to Matthew Taddeo, and was a dear uncle to Kyle Koter. He is preceded in death by his parents Otto and Elsee Koter and brother, Tom Koter. Terry never missed an opportunity to show off his family. His love for them was something he wore proudly, and being their dad and grandpa was one of his greatest joys. Music was at the heart of Terry’s life. A talented guitarist and natural performer, he loved playing with his band, Horizons, named after one of his favorite songs, “New Horizons” by The Moody Blues. His musical tastes stretched far beyond one band to the countless vinyls and CDs in his extensive music collection. He loved listening to music just as much as he loved playing it. That passion eventually led him to start his own company, providing DJ and live music services for parties and weddings, allowing him to share his love of music with others. Terry was happiest when he was entertaining, surrounded by friends and family, and bringing people together. He loved throwing parties and making his home a place where people could gather, laugh, and make memories. His Swedish pancakes at Christmas and summertime pool parties became cherished traditions that will be remembered for years to come. He leaves behind a legacy of music, celebration, and love that will live on in the hearts of his daughters, grandson, family, and the many friends who were lucky enough to know him. He will be deeply missed. A Memorial Service will be held on the 15th of October from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 W Talcott Rd, Park Ridge, IL 60068. Family and friends are welcome to join in remembering and celebrating Terry’s life.
Hafid Alicea - Class '26
With broken hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Hafid “Gordo” Alexander Alicea, who left this world far too soon on October 14, 2026, at the age of 18. Hafid was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend whose life was filled with passion, determination, and so much promise. Although his time with us was tragically short, the impact he made on the lives of those around him will never be forgotten. His loss leaves an unimaginable void in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Gordo was a proud recent graduate of Maine West High School in Des Plaines, Illinois, where he made his mark as an outstanding student-athlete. He was passionate about football, wrestling, and cheer, embracing every opportunity to challenge himself and be part of a team. His athleticism, dedication, and competitive spirit were a reflection of the determination he carried into everything he did. His love for wrestling carried him into the next chapter of his life at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where he continued his education as a student and pursued his passion for wrestling. This was an accomplishment to be proud of and a testament to his hard work, commitment, and the bright future that lay ahead of him. Outside of school and sports, Gordo was an avid gym enthusiast—a true gym rat who loved working out, pushing himself, and striving to become stronger. The gym was more than just a place to him; it reflected his discipline, drive, and desire to better himself. Whether on the field, on the wrestling mat, in cheer, or in the gym, Gordo gave his all. He had goals to chase, dreams to fulfill, and so much life left to live. Above all his accomplishments, Hafid was a cherished member of his family. He leaves behind his loving parents, Cris and Bianca Alicea, and his beloved siblings, Mia and Mason, who will forever hold their son and brother close to their hearts. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Gloria and Oscar Vazquez, his aunts, Graciela and Selena, along with extended family members, friends, classmates, and teammates who will continue to carry his memory with them. The loss of Gordo is heartbreaking beyond words. At just 18 years old, he had his whole life ahead of him. The dreams he carried, the goals he worked toward, and the memories he had yet to make his absence all the more difficult to bear. While we struggle to understand why his life was cut so short, we will forever be grateful for the time we were blessed to share with him. His legacy will live on through the love of his family, the friendships he built, the teammates who stood beside him, and the countless memories that will never fade. Though he may no longer be physically with us, his spirit, determination, and the love he gave will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him. Rest peacefully, Gordo. You were taken from us far too soon, but your light will never go out. Keep wrestling among the stars, run free, and know that you will always be loved beyond measure. Your family, friends, and everyone whose life you touched will carry you with them every single day. You were only 18, with so much more life to live and so many dreams still waiting to come true. Though our hearts are shattered, we will honor you by remembering your strength, celebrating your life, and holding on to every precious memory. Forever our Gordo. Forever our son, our brother, our friend. Gone far too soon, but never, ever forgotten. Until we meet again. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at The Bridge Community Church, 946 E Thacker St, Des Plaines, Illinois. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 23 at 10:00am at The Bridge Community Church with burial at Maryhill Cemetery, 8600 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, Illinois to follow. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.
John Peterson - Class '80
John Thomas Peterson, 64, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026 after a lengthy illness. A long time Des Plaines resident, John was born September 10, 1962 in Decatur, IL. He graduated from Maine West High School and attended Oakton Community College and Southern Illinois University before working for United Airlines. John is survived by his parents, Carlton and Judy Hibbert of Des Plaines, sister Ginger Adamiak (Henry) and nephew Mark of Shawnee, KS and sister Nancy Camodeca and niece Britney Camacho (Zac) and nephew Michael of Algonquin, IL. A visitation will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026 from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am at First United Methodist Church, 668 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016. Burial will take place at Clayton South Side Cemetery in Clayton, Illinois. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.
  John Trickey - Class '66
John F. Trickey, age 78, a lifelong resident of Des Plaines, IL, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2026. He was born June 6, 1948 in Evanston, Illinois to the late Frederick J. and Rosemary (nee Jordan) Trickey. He had a passion for learning and was often seen at various Des Plaines establishments with a book in hand. John is survived by his siblings, James (Christine), Thomas Trickey, Jill (Steven) Smith, Mary Jo (the late Michael) Mundt, Linda (the late Edward) Magnuski, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be Friday, October 30, 2026 beginning with visitation from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. Interment to follow in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's name to NAMI Northwest Suburbs Chicago, PO Box 474, Barrington, IL 60011, https://nami-nwsc.org/. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.
David Dowell - Class '61
David Edward Dowell, age 83, of Peoria, IL, passed away at 8:50 AM on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Liberty Village. David was born April 19, 1943, in Chicago, to Clyde and Emma (Wollan) Dowell. He graduated from Maine West High School in Des Plaines, IL, in 1961. He studied art at Illinois State Normal University (later Illinois State University) and received his BA in December 1966. He met his future wife, Joanne Marie Hrvatin, in art class, and they were married on June 4, 1966, at St. Bonafice Catholic Church. He taught art in an elementary school for a short while, then returned to Illinois State to earn his MA in ceramics in 1968. David then taught high school art in Downer's Grove, IL, from 1969 to 1971. In 1971 the family moved to Peoria, and David took a job with Foster & Gallagher. By 1973, David was working for Caterpillar, where he would work for the next thirty years. He started sweeping floors, apprenticed as a machinist, worked in education and training for a time, and ended his career in the tool room, as a skilled machinist creating custom machine parts on demand to repair equipment. He retired in 2003. Though his career as a full-time art teacher was short, by the mid-1980s he was teaching ceramics at the Peoria Art Guild. He soon moved on to teaching ceramics part-time at Illinois Central College (ICC) where he worked for twenty years, retiring in 2010. He enjoyed being in the studio and working with students of all ages and was proud of planning and installing the first gas kiln in the ICC ceramics studio. His beautiful cups, bowls, and vases are used daily by his family and friends. David was a runner for much of his life. He was a member of Illinois Valley Striders and spent many years on the Race Committee for the Steamboat Classic, often working the race alongside his daughters Ingrid and Olivia. He ran four marathons and too many shorter races to count, and he was an enthusiastic supporter of the cross-country runners in the family: Ingrid and Olivia, and later his grandson, Calvin. At the former Lakeview Museum, David was a stalwart volunteer at the book court and associated book sales. He painted sets for Peoria Players. He had a lifelong love of trains and created a large model railroad layout based on the Great Northern Railway. He was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, and he loved playing ball, too. He played in a senior softball league for nearly twenty years. Intertwined among all these interests and activities was his deep love of reading. He never went anywhere without a book. Grocery store? There might be some down time in line. Walking to the shop to pick up a copy of the Chicago Tribune? You need to read something on the way to get something to read. Joanne describes him as someone who was distracted by reading as much as many people today are distracted by looking at their phones. In West Peoria, he was easily recognizable as the older guy with a gray ponytail who always had a book in his hand. David is survived by his wife Joanne Dowell of Bartonville. They were married for 60 years. Other survivors include three daughters: Erika Dowell of Bloomington, IN, Ingrid (Brian) Peelle of Brimfield, and Olivia (Travis) Prewett of Richland, MO; four grandchildren: Johnathan Morrison of New York, NY, Calvin Peelle, and Sylvia and Gloria Prewett; and one brother Timothy (Bonnie) Dowell of Ferndale, Washington. David was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Jim Morrison. Cremation rites have been accorded. A visitation will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 9:30 AM until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Father Jim Pankiewicz will officiate, and entombment will take place in Resurrection Mausoleum at a later date. Wright and Salmon are handling the arrangements.