Don Erdenberger

Donald “Don” Erdenberger, age 87, of Wheeling, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022. He was born in Chicago on August 15, 1934 to William and Annetta (Hanke). Don was the second of three boys who grew up in Chicago. Their father was a bricklayer and all the brothers were in the trades. Growing up, they helped their father with projects in the home in Chicago and when William and Annetta built a summer home in Antioch. It was in Antioch on Loon Lake that he would discover his enjoyment of boating. He owned several boats during his lifetime, each progressively larger with the last being docked on Lake Michigan. He spent many happy hours fishing for the big ones! Don joined the Air Force Reserves and served for many years. He often said the time spent there were some of his greatest memories. Don was a longtime electrician for a commercial electrical company. He worked on many of the buildings in Chicagoland such as the Merchandise Mart and the first original shopping commons in Deerfield . In Deerfield, he brought his daughters Wendy and Vicki home to a small ranch home on Camille Street. He loved to build things and added a large family room and garage onto that home. Since the home did not have a basement, Don dug out a portion of the crawl space by hand to create a workspace for himself. This feat illustrates the work ethic he maintained throughout this life. He enjoyed building things and was a good teacher when showing his family construction work. When his daughter, Vicki, and her husband bought their first home in Wheaton, he tore down the dilapidated carport while they were at work as a lovely surprise to the couple. He also did some electrical work for them to update their service, as safety was always forefront in his mind. He was on hand to supervise the laying of a hardwood floor for his daughter, Wendy, while her children and husband provided the labor. Their kitchen had little counter and cabinet space when they moved in, so he built a peninsula matching the woodworking to the existing cabinetry. When his grandson, Chris and his new wife, Ginny purchased their first home, Don taught Chris how to rewire the electric, and offered guidance as Chris added a second floor. He purchased another home in Wheeling in the 1980's and again added an addition onto the kitchen. It was during this time that he retired. He turned in his boat for a large RV and traveled in it with his friend Pat. One of his favorite spots was Fort Myers in which he would spend a number of winters having grown tired of the cold he experienced in construction. His family came together on his 69th birthday to help him add the roof to a shed he had built and unfortunately, Don lost his footing and fell, severely injuring his back. It was this accident that changed his life and although he was still able to get around, tasks became more difficult. His family was important to him and his great grandchildren lit up his face. His daughters and Pat were with him in passing. Although unconscious, he waited for us to arrive, passing only minutes after the last of us entered the room. When Vicki looked up at his sleeping face, she saw a tear in his eye. He fought valiantly the last several years as his health issues increased and his mobility decreased. He lived independently until the end which is what he wanted. He was a proud man and we have all learned from him. Rest in peace Dad. Don is survived by his daughters, Wendy (Gary) Kane, and Vicki Erdenberger; grandchildren, Carissa (Brandon) Miller, Brian Rojanasumaphong, Christopher (Ginny) Ferretti, and Tim (Audrey) Ferretti; great-grandchildren, Cora and Teddy Miller, and Claire, Carleigh, and Franklin Ferretti; and nephew, Michael Erdenberger. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Lou Cicchetti; and brothers, Ron and Bill Erdenberger. A Visitation will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022 at Matz Mt. Prospect Funeral Chapel, 410 E Rand Road, Mt. Prospect, from 4-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at St. Mary Parish, 10 N Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, at 10am. Interment will follow Mass at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, 700 N. River Road, Des Plaines.

Don Erdenberger

August 15, 1934 - June 26, 2022