G.L. Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Center

G.L. Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Center We are a locally owned and operated establishment, dedicated to providing highly personalized service with honesty and dignity. Welcome to G.L.

Hills Funeral Home, Ltd. In our community, the families we serve are more our neighbors than our customers. Our home-like facilities offer comfort and serenity. Our wide range of options meet the needs of every family we serve. If you would like further information about the care we provide, please contact us at (847) 699-9003 or by e-mail at glhillsfuneralhome@sbcglobal.net. Please let us know how we may help you. As a service to the community, we are pleased to offer educational programs to church groups, schools, or community organizations. Our informative programs provide a unique and engaging way to learn about funerals, cremation, and traditions.

02/07/2026

As end of life doulas, we often meet people who are already grieving, even though the person they are grieving is still alive. This is known as anticipatory grief.

Anticipatory grief is the grief that can arise when a death (or indeed any loss) is expected or approaching. It may begin after a diagnosis, a gradual decline, or the recognition that time is limited. People may grieve the future they imagined, the changes such as loss of identity, function, and mobility already happening, and the loss they know is coming. Alongside sadness, there can be fear, anger, guilt, exhaustion, or moments of relief, all of which are valid.

This kind of grief can feel confusing or lonely, as it is not always recognised or spoken about. People may feel they should “stay positive” or wait until after death to grieve. In reality, anticipatory grief is a natural and human response when we know a loss is coming.

In our role, we make space for these feelings without judgement. We listen, sit with, and support people to name what they are feeling.

Acknowledging anticipatory grief does not hasten death but it can reduce isolation and help people feel less alone.

Sonia Nordlund (née Pieniadz), affectionately known as Sunny, age 80, a resident of Des Plaines for 50 years, passed awa...
02/06/2026

Sonia Nordlund (née Pieniadz), affectionately known as Sunny, age 80, a resident of Des Plaines for 50 years, passed away suddenly on February 2, 2026. She was born on July 10, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois.

Sunny found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She dearly loved her many cats and could often be found cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. She enjoyed thrifting, getting her nails done, and spending time with those she loved. A devoted mother and grandmother, she never missed her boys’ games or accomplishments throughout high school and college, and she carried that same enthusiasm to the sidelines for her grandchildren, proudly cheering them on. Sunny loved to sit and talk, sharing moments both big and small. It was the little things that mattered most to her. She had a tender heart and showed kindness to everyone she met.

She is survived by her sons, Scott (Bunky) and Eric (Edna); and her cherished grandchildren, Max and Katie. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Roy Nordlund; her brother, John Pieniadz Jr.; and her parents, John R. Sr. and Clara (née Kulech) Pieniadz.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove, Illinois. For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of R. Glen Hill, who departed peacefully at his hom...
01/30/2026

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of R. Glen Hill, who departed peacefully at his home on January 17, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100.

Born in Fairfield, lowa, to Ola and Frank Hill, Glen was a devoted sibling to his late sister, Betty. Upon graduating from high school, he embarked on a life characterized by fervent dedication to his passions. While working as a machinist in Fairfield, he concurrently pursued his profound interest in commercial art through various classes, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and creative expression.

Glen's life was rich and multifaceted, marked by an insatiable curiosity and a wide array of interests. His pursuits encompassed active engagement in art programs, exploration of computing technologies, participation in amateur radio, and even the intricate craft of ship construction. Each endeavor reflected his vibrant intellect and hands-on spirit.

He leaves behind a legacy of warmth and will be profoundly missed by his cherished wife of eight years, known affectionately to him as "Sweetheart." He is also survived by her sons and their families, his beloved niece and her family, and his nephews and their families, all of whom he held in great esteem and affection throughout his life.

Private services will be held. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

Dennis Bednarz, 81, passed away on January 22, 2026, in Chesterfield, Missouri. Born on September 11, 1944, in Chicago, ...
01/27/2026

Dennis Bednarz, 81, passed away on January 22, 2026, in Chesterfield, Missouri. Born on September 11, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Dennis lived a life marked by dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his family and work.

Dennis graduated from high school and often said that the rest of his education came from the “school of hard knocks.” He began his working life as a gas station attendant, where he met his future wife Barb, as he gassed up her car. Smitten, he asked her out and she said yes. Shortly after their marriage Dennis became a lineman with the telephone company. During a strike at the telephone company, Dennis took a custodial position at Siganode to support his family. That temporary role turned into a lifelong career. Siganode transitioned to Illinois Tool Works and Dennis steadily advanced—moving from custodian to assembly line worker, to machinist, and ultimately supervised a team of machinists in the research and development department. His journey through the ranks was a testament to his work ethic and determination.

Dennis shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with his partner, best friend and devoted wife, Barbara “Barb” (née Wilson). Together they built a loving family that was always the focus of Denny’s life. He is survived by son Michael (Sarah); daughter Denise; grandchildren Aiden, Lily, Gunnar, Caroline, and Keira; brother Greg (Janice) Bednarz; sister-in-law Jan (Rich), nephews, Mark, Keith, Eli and niece Maggie. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Elizabeth “Betty” Bednarz (née Sweica); father-in-law John Wilson; mother-in-law Joan Wilson (née Stenhouse); son John Joseph Bednarz; and daughter Dawn Marie Bednarz.

Dennis had a deep passion for cars, fishing, and football, interests that remained constant throughout his life. Whether under the hood of a car or cheering on his favorite team (Da Bears), he found joy in these pursuits. He also cherished family gatherings, traveling and going “up north” with friends.

A practicing Catholic throughout his life, Dennis found strength in his faith and community. He was known for being hard-working, loyal, kind-hearted-with a large dose of stubbornness those who knew him came to admire. Nicknamed “Hot-to Trot” by his wife and family, Dennis was always ready to lend a helping hand to others and have a good time. His devotion to family was evident in everything he did.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St Zachary’s Parish, 567 Algonquin Rd, DesPlaines, Illinois. Visitation starts at 12:00 pm with Mass starting at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/?form=FUNELYZXFBW, or Catholic Charities, https://www.catholiccharities.net/give/donate-form/.

May Dennis’s memory bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as a lasting reminder of a life well lived through perseverance, love, and quiet strength.

Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

Frances Jewellene Taylor, age 91, a longtime resident of Des Plaines for over 70 years, passed away on January 21, 2026....
01/26/2026

Frances Jewellene Taylor, age 91, a longtime resident of Des Plaines for over 70 years, passed away on January 21, 2026. She was born on July 17, 1934, in Florence, Alabama, to Alvin and Linnie (née Montgomery) Scott.

Frances was truly one of a kind, the most wonderful woman and a true angel on earth. She had a heart big enough for everyone and was loved by all who knew her. She wasn’t just a grandmother to her immediate family, she was everyone’s “Gram”. Frances devoted her life to caring for others, helping raise children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She would always put family and loved ones first. She was Classy and kind. Her warmth, generosity, and unconditional love will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her beloved son, John Taylor, her grandchildren, Danielle & Cory Vandeputte, Rebecca Taylor, Michelle & Octavio Garcia, Megan & Alberto Lima, her great-grandchildren, Mia, Liam, Chloe, Anna, Charlotte, Melanie, Armando, Mateo, and Evelyn and her loving niece, Kathy Rose.

She is now reunited with her son, Frederick Taylor and her granddaughter, Samantha Taylor.

Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donate to In loving memory of Grams. We will forever miss you! https://gofund.me/db68bf8d8. Funeral care has been entrusted to G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

Richard Sanchez, age 87, a resident of Des Plaines since 1984 passed away January 21, 2026. He was born May 13, 1938 in ...
01/26/2026

Richard Sanchez, age 87, a resident of Des Plaines since 1984 passed away January 21, 2026. He was born May 13, 1938 in Chicago to Toribio and Manuela (nee Villalpando) Sanchez. Beloved father of John (Theresa), Linda (Russell), William and Rick Jr. Proud grandfather Liz, Christine, Jason, Stephen, Justin, and Samantha; great-grandfather of Adam, Jonathan, Kelsey, Billy, Jimmy, Luke, Logan, Dominic, and Ariana; and great-great grandfather of Camilla and Isabelle. Loving brother of Liz and Virginia. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Martha and his son, Bill, and his siblings, Al, Fred, Ralph, and Rachel.

Richard proudly served our country and is a veteran of the United States Army. A gentle soul, he spent many years as a professional truck driver and was proud to be a member of the Teamsters Union. He loved playing his trumpet and listening to special Mexican music. Richard enjoyed camping, traveling, and driving his Winnebago, especially on family trips throughout Wisconsin and beyond. He cherished playing chess and camping with his children and grandchildren and was a loving role model to all of them. Richard loved all his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews alike. He was well known for his kindness, generous heart and warm smile and would do anything for those he loved.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines. Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am at St. Mary Church, 794 Pearson St., Des Plaines. Entombment in Maryhill Cemetery, Niles. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richard's name to St. Mary Church or to Veterans Affairs, https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/. For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

Richard Alfred Lumpp, age 102, a resident of Des Plaines since 1949 passed away January 20, 2026. He was born October 8,...
01/22/2026

Richard Alfred Lumpp, age 102, a resident of Des Plaines since 1949 passed away January 20, 2026. He was born October 8, 1923 in Morton Grove, Illinois to Anton and Lydia (need Stremmel) Lumpp. He is survived by his loving children, Robert Lumpp, Barbara (Paul) Wolfgram, and William Lumpp; dear grandchildren Heather (Brian) Lee, Jennifer (Fernando) Mojica, Jason (Jayme) Wolfgram, Heidi (Robert) Perry, and Rebekah (Ryan) Bridgers, and eleven great-grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Louise (nee Bauer); his siblings Tony, Ruth, and Emily Lumpp; and his parents.

He was a cherished and long-time member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in both Glenview and Des Plaines. Richard proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army during World War II. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 26, 2026 from 10:00 am until the time of serviced at 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee St., Des Plaines, Illinois. Interment to follow in Ridgewood Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

Yvonne White-Morey, age 69, of Des Plaines, Illinois passed away January 14, 2026. She was born November 19, 1956 in Chi...
01/20/2026

Yvonne White-Morey, age 69, of Des Plaines, Illinois passed away January 14, 2026. She was born November 19, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois to Isom and Etta (nee Jordan) White. She is survived by her loving sons, Sean, Adam, and Kevin Morey. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 38 years William Morey, and her parents.

Yvonne dedicated nearly 30 years of her life serving as a pastor in the United Methodist Church, where she touched many lives with her compassion and faith. She later continued her career as a grant writer, contributing to various causes and organizations.

Private services will be held. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

01/17/2026

Charles Dickens

01/15/2026

Caregiving isn’t something most of us are taught to prepare for.

It arrives quietly, often unexpectedly—asking for more than just time or energy. It asks for heart.

In his Life Above the Noise conversation with Maria Shriver, Jay Leno shares what it means to care for his wife, Mavis, who is living with advanced dementia.

He reminds us that caregiving, when rooted in love, becomes something deeper than duty. It becomes devotion.

Watch the full conversation now on The Sunday Paper PLUS. Link in comments.

01/14/2026

Words from Nick Cave, a bereaved father, on grief.

Ester Velasco (nee Vazquez), age 73, a resident of Arlington Heights for 10 years passed away January 10, 2026. She was ...
01/12/2026

Ester Velasco (nee Vazquez), age 73, a resident of Arlington Heights for 10 years passed away January 10, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Enrique "Hank" Velasco Campos; loving mother of Filiberto (Melanie) and Jennifer Velasco; proud grandmother of Diego, Preston, and Isabella Velasco, Eva Zarate and Luna Sanchez.

She will be remembered for her joyful spirit, her open heart, and the way she celebrated the people she loved.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 19, 2026 from 11:00 am until the time of the memorial service at 1:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. Ester loved flowers and plants, and are always welcome. If you were hoping to honor her in another way, contributions in her memory are also welcome and will go toward supporting her grandchildren and giving our family space to be together during this time. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

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60016

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