Nancy W. Knowles

Nancy Welch Knowles, an executive committee member of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Board of Directors, passed away on Saturday, August 26. She was a longtime resident of Hinsdale. Ms. Knowles was president of The Knowles Foundation and former chairman emerita of Knowles Electronics Holdings, Inc., a leading manufacturer of subminiature electronic components.

Ms. Knowles joined the Lyric Opera Board of Directors in 1998. She generously supported many operas, campaigns, and programs for almost two decades. In 2014 she was presented with the Carol Fox Award, Lyric’s highest honor.

Lyric named the Nancy W. Knowles Lobby in 2007, in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the Campaign for Excellence, the largest gift in the company’s history. The Nancy W. Knowles Lobby, at the corner of Wacker Drive and Madison Street, is the elegant entrance to the Lyric Opera House. This lively reception area, where the bronze bust of Lyric’s founder, Carol Fox, is displayed, leads to the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer.

In 2014, a generous gift from Ms. Knowles to the Breaking New Ground campaign resulted in the creation of the Nancy W. Knowles Student and Family Performances, under which all Lyric Opera and Lyric Unlimited programs geared towards students, families, and school performances are presented.

“The Lyric Opera family is deeply saddened by this loss,” said Anthony Freud, Lyric’s general director, president and CEO. “Nancy Knowles was an extraordinary woman, a consummate professional, and an outstanding philanthropist. She possessed great strength and character, and was passionate in her devotion to the arts.”

“Nancy was a cherished member of the Lyric family and will always be remembered for her sparkling wit, her understated elegance, and her warm smile,” said David Ormesher, chairman of Lyric’s Board of Directors. “Nancy’s infectious optimism and enthusiasm for Lyric inspired us all, and she will be missed.”

Ms. Knowles was a member of the opera company’s Guild Board 1993 through 1999, having first become a Lyric Opera donor in 1990. “As a member of Lyric’s Board of Directors since 1998, Nancy sponsored numerous opera productions and also supported every major project and campaign,” said Mary Ladish Selander, Lyric’s chief development officer, who worked closely with Ms. Knowles for more than two decades and was a close friend.

“Nancy was one of Lyric Opera’s most enthusiastic and devoted supporters,” said Allan B. Muchin, Chairman Emeritus, Lyric Opera of Chicago Board of Directors. “Her smile, friendliness, and optimism will never be forgotten.”

For much of her professional life Ms. Knowles was one of the few women in the room, if not the only one. A native of Fort Dodge, Iowa, she earned her bachelor’s degree in languages from the State University of Iowa (in Iowa City), and returned to her home town as a Spanish translator for Fort Dodge Laboratories, a pharmaceutical company. She subsequently worked for Pickands Mather, a mining-related firm in Cleveland.

Ms. Knowles came to the Chicago area in 1974 at the invitation of Hugh Knowles, the founder of Knowles Electronics, a world leader in subminiature electronic components and the largest manufacturer of microphones. (Mr. Knowles, who founded the company in 1954, was one of the nation’s leading acoustical researchers and engineers.)

With no knowledge of the sub-miniature electronic hearing instrument components manufactured by Knowles Electronics for hearing-aid manufacturers, Ms. Knowles started in new product development, “surrounded by engineers and physicists,” as she recounted in 2007. Charged with being a set of “new eyes,” she proceeded to learn the business through listening, observing, and questioning.

Ms. Knowles recalled in 2007 that she initially encountered “a bunch of men who were stubborn as hell! I had no voice for a long time. They didn’t understand me and they didn’t hear me. I had to earn the right to speak and be heard and accepted.”

Ms. Knowles’s hard work and cheerful persistence eventually won her colleagues’ respect. She found the learning process exhilarating, and ultimately she found the job “wonderful. I absolutely loved it. It was a fabulous company. We were truly global. We were manufacturing, selling, and distributing in foreign countries, with an incredibly accurate and reliable shipping and delivery system. Eventually the management team created a living document to assist the managers in long-range planning, and I was involved with that process. I love strategic planning! To be able to help millions and millions of people with hearing around the world is astounding.”

Nancy married Hugh Knowles in 1979. He was chairman and she was vice-chairman of the firm. He suffered a serious stroke in 1980 and was homebound; she continued to work and “would bring home the issues of the day to discuss with Hugh, and would bring back the answers the next day,” she recalled. “Over time, we finally reached the point where he would say, ‘What do you think we should do?’ and eventually he said, ‘You can do this.’ He’d trained me for a long time.”

By the time Hugh died in 1988, at the age of 84, Ms. Knowles recalled that she “had a voice – I was part of the team. I had as much input as anybody.” She became Knowles Electronics’ chairman after her husband’s death, a position she held until the company was sold, in 1999.

After the sale, Ms. Knowles retained leadership of The Knowles Foundation, which was established in Illinois in 1955 and supports the arts, education, health, international development, and social services. In 1994 The Knowles Foundation donated an assistive listening system for the refurbished theater of the Civic Opera House (now called the Ardis Krainik Theatre) as part of the Building on Greatness Capital Campaign. The system continues to benefit many thousands of Lyric ticket-holders each season.

As a philanthropist, Nancy Knowles supported many organizations beyond Lyric Opera, including Loyola Medical Center, Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, and The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab). A portion of the education and acting center at London’s fabled Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, The Nancy W. Knowles Theatre, was named in her honor, and is known as “The Little Nancy Theatre.”

In 2007, at the announcement of her major gift to Lyric, Ms. Knowles said, “One of the things I absolutely enjoy about giving as a woman is when the majority of the people in the room who are giving are men. It’s an absolute thrill!”

Of her career trajectory, Ms. Knowles said in 2007, “I’m a woman who did it myself. I had some help, had a good mentor, and I took advantage of that. I learned and I grew. I paid attention, and not only grew the business but grew in my personal life and my ability to give back. It’s very exciting.”

Ms. Knowles’s father (an orthopedic surgeon who invented the Knowles Pin, which is used to set broken bones) had a huge collection of 78 rpm records, many of them operatic, and relished driving the family 100 miles to Des Moines to go to the opera. Her love of “the costuming, the wigs, the staging, and of course the music!” grew with adulthood. She named Plácido Domingo as her favorite artist, and Puccini, Mozart, Verdi, and Bizet as her favorite opera composers.

Said Ms. Knowles in 2007, “Giving back to the community is important and very personal to me. The projects I have supported over the years are worthwhile, and the people involved have become particularly special. When I have a significant personal relationship with an organization, I support it at a higher level.”

Nancy W. Knowles is remembered with love by Hugh’s children, Margaret and Katherine; her niece, Nancy (David) Hill, and their children, Nikki and Nathan Hill; eight step-grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

A funeral will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2017, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 64 Norfolk Avenue, Clarendon Hills. Lyric Opera artists will perform at 10:15am, followed by a 10:30am Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lyric Opera of Chicago, Loyola Medical Center, Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, or Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now known as Shirley Ryan AbilityLab).

Submitted by the Lyric Opera of Chicago

Anna Marie Abdula, 89, of Waukegan, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home on August 25, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.

Anna was born in Duluth, MN on February 16, 1928, to Mary and Tom Brackett. Her family relocated to Waukegan in 1933 and she graduated from Waukegan Township High School in 1947. She joined St. John’s United Church of Christ, where she sang in the choir and was a soloist for many special events. This was the beginning of a life of service to her family and community. In 1949, she married Fred Abdula, the love of her life. After the birth of their first child, they founded Air Con Refrigeration and Heating, a successful Waukegan-based business now in its second generation of operation.

Anna loved babies! She volunteered in local hospital nurseries only to be blessed with twin boys several years later. At the age forty-one, the desire to have “one more child” came true, with the birth of another daughter.

Anna remained very active in the local community throughout her life. Even as a mother of four, she found time to volunteer in her children’s school where she was elected Secretary/ Treasurer of the PTA and a founding member of the Washington School Book Club. She gave selflessly of her time and participated in countless unique and successful fundraising events such as; the “Festival of Trees”, “Chef’s Cuisine” and the “Affair of the Heart” all benefiting local hospitals.

Anna and Fred were philanthropists donating resources toward such projects as the refurbishment of the Genesee Theater. In 1995, the Abdula Scholarship at the College of Lake County was created with their generous donation. Anna’s accomplishments did not go unnoticed. In 2010, Anna was presented with the Woman of Honor Award by the Park Place Center and the Waukegan Township Board, recognizing her achievements and contributions toward the advancement of women, locally and globally. Never one to turn down a new challenge, Anna took up golf in her late fifties and thoroughly enjoyed playing with her friends in the Ladies’ League at The Glen Flora Country Club.

Any spare moments were filled with baking, gardening, entertaining, caring for her beloved pets, and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Fred Abdula; her parents, Mary and Tom Brackett; her sister Lois Brackett Sisty of Asheville, NC, and brother Tom Brackett of Galesburg, Illinois. She is survived by her loving children, Linda (James) Considine, Patrick Abdula, Michael Abdula, and Lisa Abdula and many adoring nieces and nephews.

Anna will be remembered for her many roles: devoted wife, loyal friend, beloved sibling, but most especially, an amazing and much-adored mother. The family would like to thank Emily Pador for her loving and devoted care to Anna for the past six years.

There will be a Celebration of Life at 1:00pm, Sunday, October 1, 2107 at the Glen Flora Country Club, 2200 Sheridan Road, Waukegan IL 60087.

Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Anna Abdula can be made to the Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Information at Wenban Funeral Home 847-234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.

Kelly S. Moore

Kelly S. Moore, 57, of Lake Forest, IL died September 1, 2017. Kelly is survived by his three children Kyle, Victoria, & Mason Moore of Lake Bluff; his siblings Clayton Moore, Michael (Sarah) Moore, Paul (Kathleen) Moore, Brett (Suzanne) Moore all of Lake Forest; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his siblings James, Richard, Diane, & Brian; and his parents James & Doris Moore.

Donations in Kelly’s name may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy at www.misericordia.com.

Memorial Service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, September 18, 2017 at St. Mary Parish, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, IL with burial to follow at the church cemetery directly behind the church.

For additional information contact Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest at www.RTfunerals.com or (847) 234-9649.

Mary Ann Richie, 80, of Mt. Pleasant WI, died August 30, 2017 at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Mary Ann was born August 27, 1937 in Akron, Ohio to Harold and Janet Benham. She attended St. Paul Catholic High School in Grosse Point Farms, MI. She continued her education at Michigan State University. She was a long time resident of Lake Forest, Il before moving to Wisconsin.

She is survived by her 2 sons and daughter and their spouses, Robert (Michelle) Richie, Dennis (Shannon) Richie, Charmaine (Scott) Foster; her 4 grandchildren, Christopher, Jessica, Libby, and Brantley; and 3 great grandchildren.

Mary Ann was a highly devoted mother who adored all her grandchildren. Her love extended far beyond her family to all of her friends, acquaintances and anyone who crossed her path. She enjoyed gardening, lighthouses and nautical seascapes, and spending time with her loved ones. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 6 from 5:00 until 8:00 pm at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 Vine Ave, Lake Forest, IL.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 7 at 10:00 am also at Wenban Funeral Home.

Burial will be at St. Marys Cemetery in Lake Forest. Information at Wenban Funeral Home 847-234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.

Shanna Fisch Gary, 57, passed away on the morning on September 2, 2017. She is survived by her three children Hadley Gary, Samantha Skuce and Matthew Gary, her parents Harry and Judy Fisch and her siblings Bob, John and Jeanette Fisch. She was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Shanna was an active participant in her children’s lives, volunteering at their schools and with their extracurricular activities. She loved the outdoors and was a great friend to many. She will be sorely missed by all that knew her.

A service will be held on Monday, September 11 at 3 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 400 East Westminster, Lake Forest, IL 60045.

Info: Wenban Funeral Home, (847) 234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com

Henrietta Logan LaBernz Pigg

Henrietta was born on April 28, 1927 in Butler, Pennsylvania to parents Oliver Herman LaBernz and Sarah Agnes Logan. An excellent student, she graduated from Butler High School in 1944. During high school Henrietta’s talents as a pianist were recognized, and she was selected to participate in a program sponsored by Hammond Organ Company. Following high school, she attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania and then enrolled in nursing school at Allegheny General Hospital in 1946. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 1949.

Henrietta Pigg

In 1966 the Pigg family moved to Lake Bluff, IL where they stayed for the next 51 years. She suspended her nursing career to focus on raising their children until 1978 when she joined Westmoreland Obstetrics and Gynecology, working there until she retired in1999. Ed and Henrietta settled in Lake Bluff after visiting Grace United Methodist Church, and their social and spiritual lives were filled with friends and activities centered on their faith. Henrietta was a member of United Methodist Women Circle and The Questers.

Just before the current pipe organ was installed at Grace Church in 1974, Henrietta’s talents for accompanying the choir and other musicians led to her appointment as church organist where she served nearly every Sunday for over 40 years. She loved playing the organ and piano for the choir and she tirelessly promoted the music ministry at Grace. An Organ Endowment fund was created by her to support maintaining the instrument for many years to come. Henrietta also played for the vesper services for residents at Westmoreland and Lake Forest Place until 2017.

Henrietta always had a sense of humor about her name, and was an avid collector of anything porcine. When asked about her children, she always laughed and said, “Of course I have three!” She loved baking brownies and cookies for her grandchildren and for events at church, and every year she harvested rhubarb from her garden to make pies and crumbles. She was a good friend to many, and was known to visit and drop off a meal if she saw a need.

As a community member, Henrietta was an active member of The Lake Bluff Women’s Club, and among many Board Positions, she served as President from 2008-2012. She volunteered for the Lake Bluff Garden Club and she was a Paul Harris Fellow and remained active in Rotary International until her death. Henrietta’s accomplishments and service are all the more remarkable considering her running battles with cancer starting in 1960.

Henrietta is survived by her three children, Katherine Pigg (Fred III) Boebel, Edgar Woolard (Barbara) Hammond, and David Oliver (Marguerite Welter) Pigg, six grandchildren, Fred IV and Katherine Grace Boebel, Carolyn and Robert Hammond, David Jr. and Emma Pigg. Preceding her in death are her husband, Edgar Pigg, Sr., and her sister, Katherine LaBernz Wightman.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 PM on Friday, October 13 at Wenban Funeral Home in Lake Forest, IL and a Memorial Service and reception to follow at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 14 at Grace United Methodist Church in Lake Bluff.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Grace United Methodist Church Organ Endowment Fund, 244 E Center Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044.

Information at Wenban Funeral Home 847-234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.

Lois Kathleen Cedarquist, nee O’Brien, born in River Forest, IL, on September 5, 1923, died peacefully at the age of 94 on Monday, September 18 surrounded by family. Preceded in death by her husband Wayland, she was the loving mother of Kris McKinnon (Terry), Karen Fraioli (Edward) and Kay Rossiter (Peter), loving grandmother of Stephanie, Amy, Heather, Mark, Ann, Elizabeth and John, loving great-grandmother of Sam, Caroline, Elinor, Alex, Meghan, Theo, Eliana and Nicolas, beloved sister of Donald O’Brien and the late Edward Morse O’Brien, and loving aunt of Linda and Julie.

During World War II, Lois left the University of Michigan to marry Army officer and lawyer Wayland Cedarquist. They built their home in Lake Forest, IL, raising three daughters there.

After forty-five years, they moved to Crystal Point Condominiums in Lake Forest, where Lois loved to spend time in the swimming pool. Most recently, she resided at Lake Forest Place where she enjoyed many activities, including Bible Study and Chapel, lunch and dinner with friends and family, outings to the Botanic Garden, plus the occasional shopping spree at her favorite store, Talbots. It was noted at her funeral that she was always “dressed for Sunday”.

Lois was an active volunteer, working for many years organizing the Annual Book Sale at the Lake Forest Library. She was also one of the longest-serving volunteers at Lake Forest Hospital (her golden tree award pin ran out of room for jewels) and a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Board. She was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit for seventy years where she taught Sunday School, headed up the Altar Guild, crafted needlepoint cushions, helped in the church office and worked in the Resale Shop.

Among her gifts and talents, Lois was an avid reader, puzzle collector, reciter of poetry, needlepointer, craftsperson and calligrapher. She loved music and had a special place in her heart (and her apartment) for her piano. She also loved her Wednesday lunch group and weekly salon appointments with Dee in Highwood.

Lois had a deep love and connection with each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She shared with each of them crafts and games, music and poetry and left them with memories that they will always treasure. She also adored her sons-in-law and grandsons-in-law Terry, Ed, Pete, David, Joe, Peter and Aaron, and granddaughter-in-law Lisa.

A service and celebration of her life was held in September at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of the Holy Spirit.

Barbara “Bobbi” Nieds

Barbara “Bobbi” Nieds, age 75, of Lake Forest, IL, Williams Bay, WI and Sarasota, FL passed away October 4, 2017, surrounded by her family. Bobbi was a devoted parishioner at the Church of St. Mary, an audiologist at the Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) and Lake Forest Hospital; she was an avid golfer, gardener, bridge player, reader and friend.

Beloved wife of John “Jack” Nieds for 52 years; adored mother of Nedra (Bruce) Harris, John (Sheryl) Nieds and Melissa (Mac) Corey; cherished grandmother affectionately known as “Hummy” to Madeline, Eliza and Andrew Harris, Clare Nieds, Michael Jack “MJ” and Patrick Corey; loved sister of Nadine Grabow, Alan, Ken and John Grebliunas.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, October 13, 2017, at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL. No visitation, interment will be private. Info – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations for a scholarship in Bobbi Nieds’ name to Marquette University, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201.

A Memorial Service/Reception for Frederick W. Buck Jr. (July 13, 1959 – July 15, 2017) will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at The Church of the Holy Spirit, 400 E Westminster Avenue, Lake Forest. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

Here is his obituary:

Frederick W. Buck, Jr., of St. Peters, Missouri, died Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the age of 58. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family and close friends. Beloved husband of Teril Buck; cherished son of Fredric and Lillian Buck; devoted father to Kyle (Devinne Walters) Buck and Morgan (William) Buck-Keese; loving grandfather to Maggie Jane Keese; and dear brother to his four sisters, Rhonda (Lou) Marzinelli, Joy (David) Murawski, Julie Buck, and Rhea (Kevin) Conroy. Fred is also survived by his mother-in-law Charlotte Buska, sister-in-law Torri Rockford, several nieces and nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

Fred grew up in Lake Bluff, Illinois and attended Lake Forest High School and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and spent his life working in the railroad industry. His passions involved anything with a motor and speed. He was an adventurous soul and his many activities included riding his Harley and dirt bikes, driving his boat and jet skis, and spending winters snowmobiling. Fred loved to relax at his Lake of the Ozarks home with a fishing pole in one hand and a Pabst Blue Ribbon in the other. He most of all loved his family and anything that brought on a good party. Fred was truly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Cappola, Amedeo “Bud”

Bud Cappola, 75, of Lake Forest, IL died October 9 after a three-year battle with cancer. He leaves behind a loving family and many wonderful friends.

Bud grew up in Buffalo, NY and made the Chicago area his home for more than 30 years. If Bud wasn’t training to run a marathon or planning a hunting trip, you could find him sipping a fine bourbon with a good cigar.

He was a man of principle and integrity. His strong Catholic faith was very important to him which was manifested in his honesty and strong moral character. Mentoring young people in the financial business was one of Bud’s passions. Although too numerous to count, he mentored many and always stressed the importance of wearing a pressed shirt and tie with freshly shined shoes.

Bud leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Elizabeth “Cissie” nee Large; children Liz Cappola, Kimberly Testa (Ray) and Matthew Cappola (Heather); and grandchildren Reece and Kai Testa and Sydney Cappola. He is also survived by his brothers Dan and John Cappola and sister Sue Fraser.

A funeral mass is scheduled for Wednesday, October 18 at 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Mary in Lake Forest. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Urological Research Foundation, P. O. Box 855, Manchester, MO 63011

Funeral arrangements handled by Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest www.RTfunerals.com or (847) 234-9649.

Bud Cappola

Tina M. Jackson

Tina M Jackson, 97, resident of Lake Forest for 66 years, passed away October 28, 2017. She was born August 16, 1920 in Glencoe, Illinois to Joe and Madalena (Biagi) Vignocchi. Tina is survived by her children Claudette, twins Joyce and Nancy, and Bruce. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Claude, and siblings Keno, Anthony, Roger and Olga.

Tina was a wonderful Italian cook, avid boater and member of the Lake Forest Boating Club, and enjoyed waterskiing and fishing on Lake Michigan. In her later years Tina loved to walk at the lake with her twins. She was a friend to many at the former Westmoreland Nursing Home, and recently the Balmoral Care Center. Tina will be missed by many who knew her and especially by her loyal companion Mr. Jimmy.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 17 at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 Vine Ave, Lake Forest.

Information at Wenban Funeral Home 847-234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.

Robert F. Beine, age 90, passed away on October 31, 2017 from old age.

Bob, as he was known to friends, and “Boy” to family, was one of the greatest of the greatest generation. He was raised in Topeka, Kansas, a typical skinny, resourceful kid of the Depression. As an only child he amused himself for hours learning magic tricks, which he mastered and then performed at various Women’s Clubs for spending money. Magic became a lifelong hobby, which delighted him and his friends up till the end – even producing ‘silks’ and coins for his caregivers in his dotage!

A keen student, he started in Pre-Med on the GI Bill, then realized he missed literature too much and switched to Journalism, graduating from the University of Kansas. He was a proud member of Sigma Chi fraternity, again entertaining his buddies with his magic tricks and his way with words. He was thrilled to receive a job offer from Look Magazine, a shining star of the American media scene back in the ’40s and ’50s. One of his duties was to cover their in-house women’s basketball team, traveling with the team from game to game throughout the state of Iowa.

It was in Des Moines that he met the love of his life, Nancy, who would become his wife of over 50 years. They met in the book department of Younkers department store where he immediately asked her out for a Coke date. After a brief courtship they were married and moved to Waukegan, Il, when he accepted an offer as copywriter for Abbott Labs. Abbott was to become his professional home for the rest of his career, where he rapidly ascended the ladder in their in-house advertising department, eventually holding the title of Vice President of Advertising.

As their youngest-ever Creative Director he supervised all the materials produced for advertising to and communicating with doctors; in those days prescription drugs were never advertised to the general public. He also created stunning musical revues to galvanize the sales force. His boss gave him full creative rein and unlimited budget to produce Broadway-caliber productions, the most famous of which celebrated the life of Dr. Abbott, Abbott’s founder.

His early tenure at Abbott was in an era when America’s economy was growing rapidly and companies welcomed the young men returning from the war with career paths and incentives to help participate in a company’s expansion. Bob won numerous awards for his own writing, his department’s creative materials and for Abbott’s industry leadership in making sure doctors were fully informed about the products they prescribed. Many men and women reported that Bob was the best boss they ever had because he treated people with dignity and respect, his good nature shining through in every encounter.

Bob was a father who actually played with his daughter, Kathryn, and later on, his only grandson William. He was a fixture at the Lake Bluff Beach in the summers, especially thrilled to body surf on big wave days there and in Michigan. His playing shark and chasing all the ‘minnows’ in the lake or pool was a blast because he looked like a big, brown shark.

Bob was gracious to all and generous whenever possible, ‘spoiling’ waiters, babysitters, hairdressers, contractors and others when he had the opportunity to do so. He once received a $5 tip from a guest at the dude ranch where he worked during college summers in Colorado, and it amazed him so much that he vowed he would always be the best tipper possible.

He had a deep and active understanding that giving to others provides great satisfaction to the giver as well as the recipient.

Bob’s affectionate nature, his respect for hard work and his love of his family and country made him an admirable, unconflicted human being. He was beloved by many and encouraging to all.

No Visitation, Burial Private; Funeral Mass was held at Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest, IL.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Lake County, 671 S. Lewis Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085.

Info Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest, IL www.wenbanfh.com. 847.234.0022

Scott Ellis Stacke, of Lake Bluff, Illinois, died on October 30, 2017. He was 53 years old.

Scott was born on December 18, 1963 in Newport Beach, California to his parents Jim and Judy Stacke. He graduated from Lake Forest High School in 1982. Scott graduated from DePauw University, in Greencastle, Indiana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Scott worked in advertising at DDB Needham Worldwide in Chicago after graduation. Making a career change, Scott joined William Blair & Co. as an investment counselor, working with them until recently.

Scott was a life-long athlete and avid outdoorsman. He was on the football, basketball and track teams in high school. He continued to play intermural sports in college. Scott became a triathlon competitor, participating in multiple races through the years. Passing on his love of snorkeling, the ocean and fishing, he and his son David acquired their scuba diving certification, diving and fishing on trips together.

Scott loved spending time in the mountains of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and eventually accomplished the feat of climbing to the summit of the Grand Teton with his son, David. Scott loved spending time golfing and going on fishing trips with his dear friends from high school. Scott had a great sense of humor and there was always much laughter and joking to be had with him. Scott was a huge Cubs fan and supporter.

Scott is survived by his beloved children Catherine and David, his loving parents, Jim and Judy Stacke, his loving brother and sister Mike Stacke and Kim Stacke, his nephew and niece David and Rosalie Glynn, and his uncle and aunt Dick and Sally Ellis.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Friday, November 17, 2017 at 2:00pm for a memorial service and celebration of Scott’s life at the First Presbyterian Church, 700 Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, Illinois.

Info: Wenban Funeral Home, (847) 234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com

Gayle Lillian McDowell Stetson

Gayle Lillian McDowell Stetson died in Lake Forest on October 29. A private person, and a traditional woman of her generation, she would never have revealed her age and vehemently refused whenever asked.

Her generation grew up in the Roaring Twenties, experienced the Great Depression – though she herself insisted she lacked for nothing – and watched young men go off to the Second World War. After graduating from her upper Midwestern home-town college in Fargo, ND, all was upbeat Big Band jazz. It was then she met John, a tall, MIT-educated ensign with movie-star good looks and sense of humor, and life became advancement and adventure. They believed they were indeed the “Greatest Generation” and were blessed with good health and good fortune.

Gayle became mother to three cooperative children and wife to a business executive whose curiosity and business acumen took them all over the country and world. She reveled in John’s success and enjoyed making new homes from Winnetka to Teheran, San Marino CA, Houston, Aspen, a Watergate penthouse, a Lake Shore Drive address, and ultimately Lake Forest.

They learned to ski, became enthusiastic collectors of the art of their generation, and avidly supported orchestras wherever they lived, especially the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, for which John served as Life Trustee. Gayle had a terrific singing voice, a great sense of style and an eye for decorating and renovating, in which she was able to indulge at each successive residence. Cooking was also a passion to the extent of accepting galley duties on Lake Michigan weekends and farther ports while sailing bareboat.

Her husband, The Honorable John Charles Stetson, and older daughter, Sherry Stetson Harms, predeceased her. Survivors include her son Robert (Cynthia Stetson) Stetson, her daughter Susan (Dr. Alan David Vertrees) Stetson Vertrees, grandchildren Curt Harms, Dr. Chess (Jennifer Crucius Stetson) Stetson, Greta Stetson, Kathleen Stetson, Alexander (Emily Finlay Vertrees) Vertrees, and Peter Vertrees, and great-grandchildren Bruce Stetson, Hugh Stetson and Lee Stetson.

Info: Wenban Funeral Home, (847)234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com

Elliott Robert “Bob” Moore passed away on November 1 at Balmoral nursing home in Lake Forest, IL. The cause of death was complications from Parkinson’s disease. His daughters were at his side.

Elliott Robert ‘Bob’ Moore

Bob was born on December 30, 1933, in Lake Forest. He graduated from Lake Forest High School and attended the University of Illinois, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business. He met Virginia (Ginny) Wren on a blind date in college. The two were married in 1956 and soon after moved to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he served in the army. Bob took over his father’s insurance firm in Lake Forest, the Moore Insurance Agency, which he managed for the next 50 years. A civic leader, Bob was active in multiple organizations during his life, including the Jaycees, Rotary International, the Union and First Presbyterian Churches and the Crystal Point condominium association. He and Ginny hosted more than 20 foreign exchange students in their home. In fact, the only time he left the country was to attend a Danish wedding.

He loved to garden and grew a plethora of vegetables each summer in the backyard (and sometimes the front). His passion was such that he and Ginny actually had separate gardens. The family spent many happy weekends at their Lake Winnebago, WI cottage. Over the past 50 years, he loved a number of family dogs, including collies, shelties and bichon mixes, but no cats.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ginny Wren Moore, who resides at the Memory unit at Balmoral at Lake Forest Place. He has two children, Sharon D. Moore of Wilmington, NC, and Sandy Moore of Arlington, VA. He also has four grandchildren – Sandro and Nadica Chatlos, both 21, of Wilmington, NC, and Amanda and Leanne Woolsey, ages 20 and 15, of Arlington, VA.

A memorial service celebrating his life will take place on Monday, December 4, at the Union Church in Lake Bluff at 11am followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Parkinson Disease Association 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 or donate at apdaparkinson.org. Information at Wenban Funeral Home 847-234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.

Dr. Michael Redding

Dr. Michael Redding, 52, passed away October 19 at Lake Forest Hospital. Michael was Vice Chancellor for Public and Government Affairs at the University of Illinois-Chicago since 2013. His passionate belief in the power of higher education led him to UIC from the University of Oregon. He had a distinguished 13-year career at the University of Oregon holding a remarkable range of responsibilities as a member of the senior leadership team at UO.

Before his work in universities, Michael was legislative director in the Office of Intergovernmental Relations for Oregon’s second largest city as well as U.S. public and government affairs representative for Texaco. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and received his Masters and Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Only his dedication to his family and the joy he took from being with Lori and the boys trumped his passionate commitment to make the world better through higher education. Throughout his career he inspired his colleagues with his humor, compassion and humility. Michael is survived by his wife Lori; sons Cameron and Lucas; mother Sandra and father Ronald; father-in-law Loren Kline; sister Sharon (Andrew) Gold, and brother-in-law Ronald (Elizabeth) Kline, as well a niece and 3 nephews.

Michael will be greatly missed by all.

A memorial visitation was held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an education fund established for Cameron & Lucas Redding (and sent c/o Office of the Chancellor, University of Illinois at Chicago, 601 S. Morgan, 2833 University Hall, MC 102, Chicago, IL 60607).

Information at Wenban Funeral Home 847-234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.

Robert Chenault Davis, 92, died quietly November 30, 2017 at his home in Ephraim with his dear wife Nancy of 66 years at his side. Bob was born April 1, 1925 in Toronto to Warren Thorp Davis and Marguerite (Minie) Morency Davis. He graduated from New Trier High School (Winnetka, IL) and enlisted in the Navy in 1943. Bob graduated from Carleton College. He joined The United Educators, his father’s publishing company, where he worked until retiring to Ephraim, his summer residence since four years old. During the 40 years in Lake Bluff Bob was an active leader of the community including village mayor.

In 1951 he married Nancy Wilterding Davis. Together they raised five children in Lake Bluff and in Ephraim. All of his children survive Bob: Rob – Ephraim; Martha Pohl – Apple Valley, MN; Cole (Tina) Davis – Williston, ND; Sarah (Ralph) Maas – Weston, WI; Laura (Theresa Farris) Davis – Madison, WI; and foster daughter Sabina (Dalton) Kruse, Byron, IL. Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and two more great grandchildren due in 2018.

Bob was a passionate sailor and life-long member of the Ephraim Yacht Club. He and Nancy loved to cruise the Great Lakes on Great Bear II. Over time his passion for the seas expanded to hiking and canoeing to explore Door County’s natural gems.

Bob was also actively involved in Rotary, the Ephraim Historical Foundation, The Clearing, and The Door County Land Trust. He joyfully gave his time to raise money for projects dear to his heart.

Always with a twinkle in his eye and a bounce in his step, Bob enjoyed interacting with people especially if he could show off with a word pun or joke. The Nancy and Bob partnership loved to entertain their many friends in Lake Bluff and in Ephraim.

In lieu of flowers you may send a memorial to any of the organizations mentioned above.

The funeral service will be at Stella Maris Sister Bay on Saturday December 9th. The service starts at 11:00 am followed by a social gathering until 12:30 p.m.

Annette Witt

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years Henry M. Witt III. She is survived by her daughters and son, Carol (Jim) Livas, Kathryn (Mark) Witt-Holzman; Barbara Bliss, Sandra (the late Ken) Michelau, and Matthew (Shpresa) Witt; and cherished grandchildren Greg and Brad Livas, Alex and Joanna Holzman, Paul, Andrew and Maggie (Getz) Schulenburg, Samantha, Elizabeth and Becca Michelau, and Madeline, Henry and Andrew Witt, and dearest great-grandchild Jack Schulenburg. Her family would like to thank her caregivers, Floralyn Diaz and Majuna Lee for their years of devoted service.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL. No visitation, interment will be private. Info – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Annette Witt’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60631.

Georgia S. Katz, 58, nee Stamatopoulos; Born in Velo, Corinthios, Greece; Cherished wife to Sumner Katz; Devoted mother of Marina Ana, Jonathan and Vanessa; Loving daughter of the late Marinos and Vasiliki Stamatopoulos; Dearest sister of Katherine Philis and Steve Stamatopoulos; Dear daughter-in-law of the late Ana and Joseph Katz; Fond sister-in-law of Jason and David Katz; Dear aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Georgia had attended Mundelein College. She had the gift of identifying people in need and providing assistance to get the help they would need to get back on their feet. She devoted her life to helping others!

The family would like to give a special “Thank You” to Wendy Cook and Georgia’s many devoted friends for the help they provided in the final weeks of her life.

Visitation Monday, December 11, 2017, from 4 – 9 p.m. at Colonial Wojciechowski Funeral Home 8025 W. Golf, Niles, IL. 60714. Family and friends will meet Tuesday morning at St. John Chrysostomos Greek Orthodox Monastery 4600 93rd St., Pleasant Prairie, Wisc. 53158 for 11:30 a.m.

Funeral service and interment following in the monastery cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to St John Chrysostomos Monastery or Ascension Greek Orthodox Church Capital Campaign Fund 1207 N. Riverwoods, Lincolnshire, IL. 60069. Arrangements by NICHOLAS M. PISHOS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, LTD., info: 847-581-0536.