In Memoriam
This page is dedicated to honoring the memories of our classmates who have passed away. A full list of classmates In Memoriam is found HERE.
The entries shown here are current as of July 8, 2025.
If you know of a classmate who has passed who is not listed here, you can add a new memorial with a photo by clicking the Create a Memorial button.
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Rich Craddock
1952-06-21 2018-09-29
We are sad to announce that on September 29, 2018, at the age of 66, Richard Craddock (Aurora, Illinois), born in Elmhurst, Illinois passed away. Richard was a beloved science teacher at Proviso West. He leaves behind him family, friends, colleagues, and countless students that he impacted with his quick wit and kind heart.
He was predeceased by his mother Ethel L. Craddock. He is survived by his cousins, Ron Schweitzer (Marilyn), Jim Schweitzer (late Mary), Lauren Schweitzer-Cody, Chris, Adam and Beth Schweitzer.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be appreciated for cancer research.
DeDe Mandarino (Crippen)
1952-04-10 1991-02-18
Dorothy “DeDe” Mandarino, nee Crippen, 38, beloved wife of Michael; dear mother of Michael and Richard; devoted daughter of Lawrence and Betty Crippen; loving sister of Larry (Debbie) Crippen, Pat (Richard) Grupp, Tom Crippen and Janis (Larry) Wriss; fond daughter-in-law of Michael and Cell Mandarino; aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation Wednesday 3 to 9 p.m. at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 E. Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton. Funeral Thursday 10 a.m. to First Baptist Church of Elmhurst. Service 11 a.m. Interment Mount Emblem. 708-6680016
Chicago Tribune, 20 February 1991
Rick Damm
1952-01-11 2009-01-25
Richard A. Damm, age 57, loving father of Casey Damm and Katie Damm; beloved son of Eleanore and the late Griffith; dear brother of Ginny (Jim) Meyers; fond uncle of Michael, Christopher Murphy, Bonnie Buik, Christy (Tom) Zima and Jeff (Sarah) Meyers; great-uncle of Michael, Benjamin and Kate.
Services were private.
Donations to the American Cancer Society-Melanoma Research, 1801 S Meyers Rd., Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 or St. Thomas Hospice, 8230 S. Madison, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 would be appreciated. Arrangements by DuPage Cremations, Ltd. And Memorial Chapel, 800-588-1132.
Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan 2009
Jeff DeCourtney
1952-06-13 1999-11-29
Jeff B. DeCourtney, 47, of Albuquerque, N.M., died unexpectedly Monday, Nov. 29, 1999, in Lovelace Medical Center, Albuquerque, from complications of pneumonia.
He was born June 13, 1952, in Latrobe, a son of Lois DeCourtney Plondke and the late Richard DeCourtney.
In 1959, he moved to Elmhurst, Ill., where he graduated from York High School in 1970. He continued his education at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Jeff was employed by GTE Automatic Electric for 12 years. In 1995, Jeff moved to Albuquerque along with his mother and stepfather. Until his death, he was employed by Office Depot.
In addition to his parents, h...
Ron DeGrandis
1952-03-14 2017-02-21
Ronald Alan DeGrandis
BIRTH 14 Mar 1952
Chicago, Cook County,
Illinois, USA
DEATH 21 Feb 2017 (aged 64)
Glendale, Maricopa County,
Arizona, USA
FAMILY MEMBERS
Parents
Ralph Anthony DeGrandis
1917 – 1981
June Elvira Krause DeGrandis
1919 – 1989
ancestry.com
Dan Denning
1951-12-31 2011-12-09
Daniel Louis Denning of Southaven, MS, died December 9, 2011 of complication from cancer. Born December 31, 1951, in Elmhurst, IL, he graduated from Evangel College, Springfield, MO, and earned his MA in theology from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL. He also pursued an MA in computer science at Ole Miss. Daniel worked at FedEx as a Technical Advisor. Daniel served Christ at Graceview Presbyterian Church, Southaven, MS, as a deacon and an elder. He taught an adult Sunday school class, was a choir member, and headed several committees. He persevered in his faith and was a loving and faithful husband, father, and son until the end.
He is survived by his wife Emily; children Linda,...
Carl Diaz
1952-03-12
I first met Carl in Immaculate Conception kindergarten. We were good friends throughout our years in IC grade school and York High School, and even ended up working together at the Elmhurst Post Office for several years. I was a Clerk Supervisor. Carl was a Postal Clerk and loved his service as a Postal Worker Union Steward.
Carl and I made several trips out west together. He loved the West. The last time I saw him was when my wife, daughter and I met him in the Canyonlands, Utah, probably some twenty years ago. (By that point I was living in Colorado, working as Postmaster of the Meeker, CO Post Office.) We camped together for several days — a good time.
Carl l...
Barbara Lee Stonikas (Dunlop)
0952-08-04 2024-03-12
Barbara Lee Dunlop Stonikas, 71, of Tallahassee, FL, formerly of Elmhurst, IL, died peacefully at home under the care of her children the afternoon of Thursday, March 14.
As a fine arts graduate of Elmhurst College, she appeared in many plays and musicals. A longtime Elmhurst resident, Barb was active in the choirs of St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Elmhurst and Christ Church, Oak Brook. Barb adored animals, rescuing myriad dogs and cats throughout her life.
She earned a JD from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (previously John Marshall Law School) in 2004 and spent the last 20 years of her career as a Graduate Medical Education administrat...
Jim Ekblad
1952-10-02 2018-06-09
James A. Ekblad, a longtime resident of Elmhurst died on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Elmhurst Hospital, at the age of 65. Former husband of Shirley (nee Nowosad); special friend of Phyllis Gorman of Indian Head Park; father of John Michael (Jackie) and Suzanne Laatsch (Glenn); grandfather of Luke; brother of Julie, Judy (Casimir Ciesla), and twin brother of JoAnn; uncle of Darby (Andy) Blanchard and Jaime (Eric) Seeber and many other nieces and nephews.
Jim was a member of York’s Class of 1970. In 1978, he became a Certified Public Accountant through the University of Illinois. Jim was a “people person,” treating all of his clients at his Elmhurst accounting firm, James A. Ekbl...
Gary Emeritz
1952-09-19 2021-12-26
Gary T. Emeritz, 69, devoted father of Jennifer (Matt) Cuff, Raven (Edward) Stromek and Erin Emeritz; proud grandfather of Andrade, Malin and Emmitt; cherished son of the late Wilbert and Dolores (nee Sperkowski) Emeritz; loving brother of Christine (Steven) Turley and Marc (Monica) Emeritz; dearest uncle of Jaime, Shannon, Justin and Michael; great uncle of James, Madison and Jeremy.
Gary was a resident of Elmhurst, IL for 45 years. He attended York Community High School and graduated with the class of 1970. He started an aluminum siding business, Emeritz Exteriors, along with his dad in 1975 and they were known for their meticulous craftsmanship. He loved working on just ab...