Wheeling High School Class of 1968 News for 2022

12/22/2023 I received an email from Legacy.com for WHS, that faculty member John R. Liljeberg passed away at the age on 91 on 12/17/2023. His obituary from Legacy.com follows:

FUNERAL HOME

Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd.
1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights, Illinois
UPCOMING SERVICE

Service
Dec. 27, 2023
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd.
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John Liljeberg Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd. on Dec. 21, 2023.

John Liljeberg
Of Arlington Heights
John Robert Liljeberg, more commonly known as Jack, born on January 12, 1932, was the son of the late Hjalmer and Mary Liljeberg. He was the younger brother of the late Howard Liljeberg and Lois Liljeberg and twin brother of Richard Liljeberg. He was married to his loving wife, the late Mary Ann Liljeberg, for 67 years.

He is survived by his four children: Pamela (Richard) Kobler, Susan (Paul) Thoms, Jeffrey (Ellen) Liljeberg and Julie Liljeberg; his grandchildren Jim (Tara) Bachelder, Jacob Kobler, Kelsey (Sam) Rabuck and Lucas Kobler, Rachel and Melanie Thoms and Jack and Kelly Liljeberg; as well as his loving extended family members.

Jack earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In Macomb, he taught Social Sciences and Physical Education, met and married Mary Ann Kiesig and had three children; Pamela, Susan and son Jeffrey. After accepting a teaching position at Wheeling High School, he and his family moved to Arlington Heights, Illinois and then had another daughter, Julie.

After settling in Arlington Heights, Jack's main focus was providing for his family. He taught U.S. History and Physical Education and became the Varsity head football coach. Both he and Mary Ann were also heavily involved in all their children's activities. They loved to travel and were able to take their kids to all the places they dreamed of going like Disney World and Disneyland, cross country trips to California and various beach vacations. To be able to afford these vacations, Jack took on several additional jobs such as coaching football, wrestling and golf as well as Drivers Education.

As a result of their hard work ethic, Jack and Mary Ann were able to retire at the age of 55. During their retirement years, they spent time traveling to Arizona every spring, tailgating at University of Illinois football games with friends, and following their youngest daughter to her various softball tournaments throughout the United States. Jack loved all things sports, especially golf, which he would play whenever he got the chance. If he wasn't participating in sports, he was coaching or watching them. Gardening was also a passion of his and he spent many hours taking care of the yard and planting flowers and vegetables.

Jack was a family man. When his kids grew up and had their own children, he would always be in attendance at his grandchildren's birthday parties, dance recitals, musical performances, plays, and many sporting events.

After living a long life filled with love and laughter, Jack passed away at the age of 91 on December 17th, 2023. Visitation is Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd, 1520 N. Arlington Hts. Rd, Arlington Hts. from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Service will follow from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Interment immediately follows at St John's UCC Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to PAWS Chicago or Paralyzed Veterans of America. See links below for more information.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.

If you would like to send condolences to Mr. Liljeberg's family that they will see please go to his obituary on Legacy.com and sign the Guest Book:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/john-liljeberg-obituary?id=53898898

Rest in Peace coach Liljeberg.

11/20/2023

It is with great sadness, that I have to relay that Beth Schmitt Geers '68 was tragically murdered along with her husband and a family friend James Daulton. The fourth victim, Patty Daulton, is being treated at a trauma center for her injuries.

This tragedy occurred on Monday, November 20th, 2023 in Custer County, Colorado. You can Google "latest murders in Custer county Colorado" if you want to follow this very sad story.

This hit me very personally because Beth and I grew up in the same neighborhood in Prospect Heights, on Hillcrest Drive over by the slough. Grade school, Junior High, and WHS.

Beth has an older brother Greg who I believe attended Prospect High School, a younger brother, Raymond 'Champ' Schmitt, and a younger sister Patty Schmitt, and younger sister Susie, all who graduated from Hersey.

Many will remember Beth from Drill Team at WHS. Beth had a very exuberant personality and sense of humor. She will be sorely missed and mourned.

I have no information about funeral services or a celebration of life that may be planned for Beth. If I get any additional details I will add them into this posting.

Rest in Peace Beth

I regret that I have to list another alumni passing. Harold "Harry" Kuhl '69 passed away today. Thanks to Ren Sanfilip for posting. Harry started out as class of 1968, but didn't graduate until 1969.

I just checked the Daily Herald obituaries and nothing has been posted yet.

Unfortunately Harry did not have a Facebook page.

Harry, has a brother Charles Kuhl who also graduated in 1969. Harry's wife is Jo Ann Anfeldt '70.

Rest in Peace Harry.

09/01/2023 Another member of the class of 1968 was discovered to have passed away on September 1, 2023. Ronald Scott Perley

July 2,1950- Sept. 1, 2023

Ron was born in Chicago, graduated from the University of Florida and spent his early banking career in Chicago.

Rons’ second career came along when he, Jerry Spitz, and Mark Van Laanen opened Trio Restaurante in Egg Harbor. Ron and Jerry retired/closed Trio in 2016 to enjoy their Chicago home, their friends, and traveling.

Ron was proceeded in death by his parents Robert & Kathleen Perley and sister Karen (Mills). He is survived by his husband Jerome(Jerry)Spitz, siblings Mark Perley, Jeffrey Perley (Julie), Carol Dreger (George), and Joanne Purtil (Matt) along with many Spitz and Perley relatives.

His sense of humor, gentle smile, kindness and love of cooking will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers a donation to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago Illinois, sralab.org/give in his memory is appreciated.

I am sorry to report that Garret 'Gary' Auld '68, passed away on May 15, 2023. Information provided by his daughter Bethany Auld Nickel (https://www.facebook.com/realesatebethany). No other information is available at this time.

Rest in Peace Gary.

Regrettably, I was informed that Sandra Kiesling Balko, passed away on December 17th, 2022. Sandi was preceded in death by her husband. I have no additional information at this time. Rest in Peace Sandi.

Happy New Year! There are 88 members of the Class of 1968 still missing.