Obituaries

We will update the list of names of our deceased warriors on a monthly basis. We will not place a person on this list with hearsay, second hand, information. Send us a link to the obituary, noting the date and name of the newspaper from which it was taken. If you don't have the obit, then you must be related to, or a close friend who attended the wake, funeral or memorial service.

August 2026
Susan Neumann '69
Jeffrey Barton '77
Craig Beam '76
Robert Tosterud '64
Michael Horner '73
Susan Neumann - Class '69
Susan Ann Neumann, 74, of Mesa, AZ, passed away on July 16, 2026. Born November 10, 1951, Susan was a cherished presence in the lives of those who knew and loved her. Susan graduated from Maine West High School in 1969 in Des Plaines, IL. Her commitment to learning remained steady throughout her life, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration earned in 2007 from the University of Phoenix, AZ. Throughout her working life, Susan held clerical and customer service positions, bringing reliability and care to the everyday responsibilities that keep organizations running and people supported. Though Susan never had children of her own, she was a beloved aunt whose devotion to family was unmistakable. She adored her nieces and nephews, and they adored her in return. Susan is survived by her sisters Cathy Ellis and Linda (David) Wright; her brothers John Neumann and Richard (Veronica) Neumann; her nieces and nephews Dylan, Jessica (Adam), Elizabeth, Garrett, Michelle (Jason), Joshua, Casey and Tiffani; and her great-nieces Marissa, Jaylee, and Jayda. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Barbara Neumann, and her brother-in-law Mark Ellis. In quieter moments, Susan found joy in reading, crafts, and word puzzles—simple pleasures that reflected a thoughtful spirit and an appreciation for time well spent. She will be deeply missed and respectfully remembered. A Memorial Service will be held at Valley of the Sun Mortuary, 10940 East Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248, on August 6, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Donations may be made to Arizona Heart Association, 1050 W. Washington St. Suite 201, Tempe, AZ 85288, or at www.heart.org/en/.
  Jeffrey Barton - Class '77
Jeffrey Lynn Barton, 67 years old of Antioch, IL, passed away July 29, 2026. He was born March 8, 1959 in Evanston, IL the son of the late Chester and Delores (nèe Harloff) Barton. On May 24, 1986, Jeffrey married Julie Rose Malinowski in Arlington Heights, IL. Jeffrey was a hardworking man who took great pride in providing for his family. He believed in the value of an honest day’s work and was known for his strong work ethic, dependable nature, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever someone needed it. He enjoyed his career at Wabash Power Equipment for 40 years. When he wasn’t working, Jeffrey found his greatest happiness in the outdoors. He loved boating, canoeing, camping, and fishing, creating countless memories with family and friends around campfires and on the water. He also enjoyed the art of making moonshine, a hobby that reflected his resourceful spirit and appreciation for tradition. Jeffrey also had a deep love for music. Whether it was classic rock, country, or simply a good song turned up loud, music was always a part of his life. He attended countless concerts over the years, making unforgettable memories with family and friends. Above all else, Jeffrey was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family was the center of his world, and nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his children and grandchildren. He cherished every moment with them and was proud of the family he helped build. His love, guidance, sense of humor, and unwavering support will be remembered forever. Jeffrey is survived by his wife, Julie, their kids, Crystal (Jerry) Kaplan, Daniel (Sarah) Barton, Matthew (Natalie) Barton, 4 grandkids, Gracie, Colter, Madison and Chesney, his siblings, Patricia (Patrick) McKernan, Michael (Connie) Barton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Doug (Kathy) Barton. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a service to commence at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2026 at Strang Funeral Home, 1055 Main St., Antioch, IL 60002. Interment will immediately follow in Wilmot Cemetery, Wilmot, WI. For additional information, call 847-395-4000. All are welcome to sign the online guestbook for Jeffrey at www.strangfh.com.
Craig Beam - Class '76
Craig Peter Beam (Beamer), 68, of Des Plaines, IL, passed away suddenly on June 27, 2026, in Blythe, CA. Born on February 1, 1958, in Chicago, IL, to William N. Beam and Dolores C. Beam. Craig was a lifelong resident of the area and a proud graduate of Maine West High School. He went on to build a dedicated career as a tool and die maker. Craig was known for his generous spirit, deep kindness and his love for sports. He was always the first person to lend a helping hand to a stranger, neighbor or friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dolores Beam; his nephews, Nicholas Ashbourne, Ryan Beam and Brian Beam. He is survived by his sisters, Carol (Bill) Palarz, Denise (Max) Hirsch, Diane Brezin, Debra Ashbourne and his brothers, William (Pam) Beam, Jr., Bruce (Sue) Beam, and Robert (Lydia) Beam. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Mary Church, located at 794 Pearson Street, Des Plaines, IL.
Robert Tosterud - Class '64
Dr. Robert J. “Bob” Tosterud, age 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026. He was born on July 21, 1946, to Orval and Dorothy (Christianson) Tosterud in Des Plaines, IL. A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Lakeshore Lutheran Fellowship, 16790 Van Wagoner Rd., Spring Lake, MI 49456 with visitation one-hour prior. Memorial Contributions in his honor can be directed to Lakeshore Lutheran Fellowship. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456.
Michael Horner - Class '73
Michael Thomas Horner “Mike” spent 71 years living life to his own rhythm. Born November 19, 1954, in Chicago and raised in Des Plaines, Mike made Elk Grove Village his home for 37 years. He and his wife, Karen, shared 43 years of marriage and built a life centered around what mattered most to him: family. Mike spent nearly 40 years working for the United States Postal Service. Mike was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 2076-Des Plaines, before becoming a Supervisor. For the past several years, Mike volunteered his time to assist with the Des Plaines Letter Carrier Food Drive. He was a dedicated worker, but even more dedicated to his family. They could always depend on him. Whenever they called, he was there. He worked hard to give them a comfortable life and supported them in everything they did. Music was one of Mike’s greatest passions. A talented guitar player, he played for many years with the choir at Queen of the Rosary Church and also spent time in a Christian band. He loved all kinds of music, especially rock and roll, The Beatles and the Eagles. He attended countless concerts throughout his life and loved the saying, “I may be old, but I got to see all the cool bands.” He passed that same love and appreciation for good music on to his children. Mike lived life to the beat of his own drum. He wasn’t afraid to go against the grain, be different, or simply be himself. In his younger years, he enjoyed hiking and exploring nature with Karen. Later in life, he rode his Harley to scenic places, camera in tow, where he pursued his love of nature photography. He also loved working in the beautiful garden he shared with Karen and spending time with his adopted dogs, Tuesday and Wednesday. Above all, Mike was most proud of his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his children, Stephanie (Mick) Pavlik, Matthew Horner, Kallie (Michael) Salerno and Cody (Abigail) Horner; his grandchildren, Tobias Horner, Aidan Pavlik, Emma Pavlik, Makayla Horner, Dominic Horner and Alexander Salerno; and his siblings, Allen Horner, Natalie Salsgiver and Carol Mammoser. Michael was preceded in death by his son, Michael Horner Jr., his parents, Thomas Alfonso Horner and Hazel Bernice (Harter) Horner, and the many dogs he and his family shared over the years. His family will remember the music, the guitar, the garden, the Harley and so many other pieces of the life he loved. But most of all, they will remember that when they needed him, he was always there. We will have an open house celebration of life on Saturday August 29, 2026 from 1-5 pm. For more information, text Karen at 847-338-3696 or Messenger Karen Horner, Kallie Horner 847-293-5953.