WHS Class of 1976 News for 2023

For 2023

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.

I'm sorry to report the passing of Scott Connor (Class of 1976) on December 3, 2023 after dealing with heart disease and cancer over the last few years. He is survived by a loving wife, children, sister, and mother. Late younger brother Chris Connor. At Wheeling High School, he participated in the NJROTC for 3 years. He also attended Holmes Junior High (Middle School) and a grade school in Japan while his dad was in the Air Force. Scott was in the Navy in his 20's. He kept updated on classmates via Facebook. He will be buried at the Iowa Veteran's Cemetery in Adel, Iowa at a date to be determined. Thank you to his sister Wendy Solsrud , his daughter and Louie Clarkson for this information. Reported my Nancy Knight '76.

Rest in Peace Scott

11/24/2023

I'm sorry to report the passing of Frank Jonas Sr. on November 23, 2023 per his daughter who left a lovely tribute on his Facebook timeline. There will be an obituary. In addition to Wheeling High School he also attended Jack London Junior High. Information provided by Nancy Knight '76.



Rest in Peace Frank

07/19/2023

I was just informed that Valerie Holland '76 passed away yesterday. I have no other details at this time. When/if I get additional details about services and/or a celebration of life, I will re-edit this post with that information.

If you'd like to leave condolences that her family and friends will see, please do so on her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/valerie.holland2

Rest in Peace Valerie Holland

05/11/2023

William 'Bill' Blanchfield '76 passed away on May 11, 2023. Bill has two older sisters who also graduated from WHS, Roberta 'Bobbyjo' Blanchfield Dombek '69, and Patricia Blanchfield Darrow '72.

Bill did not have a senior picture or a junior year picture.

Services were private. No celebration of life is planned that I'm aware of.

Rest in Peace Bill.

01/01/2023

In this morning’s Daily Herald that Tim Harris, Class of 1976, passed away on January 18th. A service is being held tomorrow (1/22) at Bucalo Funeral Home in Bloomingdale from 12PM to 3PM. Not much more information and it’s not listed on Legacy yet.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailyherald/name/timothy-harris-obituary?id=38710203

Rest in Peace Tim.

01/01/2023

Happy New Year! There are still 75 Members of the Class of 1976 missing.

This Page Last Updated On: Monday, January 08, 2024