Daniel Johnson, 80 

Daniel G. Johnson, 80, of Brookfield, died on Oct. 27, 2026. He was born to Ruth and Everett Johnson in Chicago, grew up in Wilmette, and attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Loyola Academy and New Trier High School. From a young age he loved to read and could be found at the Wilmette Public Library eagerly participating in their summer reading program each year. He also played sports and was an all-star PONY League pitcher and played center for Loyola Academy’s basketball team. 

He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in philosophy at the University of Illinois Chicago Circle campus and worked at The Hilo, a grocery store in Wilmette, which he said was one of the best jobs he ever had, especially creating the store displays. Later he became director of Claims for National Van Lines for 24 years before retiring in 2012. 

From 1969-1974 he served in the U.S. Air Force as a sergeant. In 1982 he married Judy Oesterreich for 41 years until her passing in March 2024. They had a daughter, Jen, and were her biggest cheerleaders, attending every dance recital, choir concert, musical, and football game to watch her twirl. 

He enjoyed being of service to his community, serving on Brookfield’s very first Recycling Commission and helping start Project NICE (Neighbors Involved in a Clean Environment) and Meet the Creek (now both annual events). 

He loved to read fantasy, historical fiction and biographies, especially of U.S. presidents. He would spend at least a couple hours a day enjoying a good book. He was also very neat and organized. Everything had its place. 

He was the best listener and advice-giver and always encouraged those he loved to be themselves and enjoy life one day at a time. His favorite role was probably being Grandpa to Aiden, the apple of his eye. 

He believed everyone should be treated fairly and with kindness and dignity. His motto: Always do the right thing. 

Dan was the husband of the late Judy G. Johnson (nee Oesterriech); the father of Jennifer (Adam) Reeger; grandfather of Aiden Reeger; brother of David Johnson and the late Richard Johnson; uncle of Erica (Jeff Nerud) Johnson, Kevin (Peggy) Meehan, Sean (Karen) Meehan, Justin Oesterreich and Liz (Corey) Furhop; and great-uncle of Jax Nerud, Brian Meehan, Colin Meehan, Lauren Meehan. 

Visitation was held on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 at Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, followed by a funeral Mass at St. Louise de Marillac Church, La Grange Park. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. 

Memorials appreciated to Mercy Home For Boys & Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607, or Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1875 Eye Street NW, Suite 1100, Washington D.C. 20006, or Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513. 

Dolores G. Tedesco (nee Gulczynski), 98, a longtime resident of Riverside, dies on Oct. 30, 2026. Born on Jan. 5, 1928, she was a nurse at the former Mother Cabrini Hospital and then worked at private doctors’ offices. A true social butterfly, she was a former president of the St. Mary Altar Rosary Society and a longtime volunteer at MacNeal Hospital. She loved shopping, playing cards, all her church activities and spending time with her grandchildren. 

Dolores was the wife of the late Nunzio J. Tedesco, MD; father of Bettina (Michael) Settecase, Kathleen (Scott) Simon, Susan Wilkinson and Dominic J. (Carolyn) Tedesco; grandmother of Nicholas (Katherine) Tedesco, Quentin (Lindsey) Tedesco, and Carina Tedesco; and the great-grandmother of Theodore Tedesco. 

Family and friends will meet at St. Mary Church (St. Paul VI Parish), 105 Herrick Road, Riverside on Nov. 5, for a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until time of the funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m. Interment private at Resurrection Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dolores’ memory to a charity of your choice. 

Arrangements were handled by the Original Kuratko Family, Brian D. Kuratko – Director.