Greta J. Saelens

Greta J. Saelens, devoted wife, passed away on November 20, 2023, on the 58th anniversary of her marriage to Mike Saelens. Greta was born in Middletown, OH to George and Mary Fiessinger on February 7, 1943. Greta was a proud Ohioan who graduated from the University of Dayton.

Greta touched countless lives through her 35+ year career as a teacher at Our Lady of the Wayside School. Those who had the joy of being one of her students remember her passion for diagramming sentences, her emphasis on faith in education, and on occasion, being thrown a Jolly Rancher for a particularly good answer. Greta was a pillar of the Wayside community outside of the classroom as well, serving as a lay minister, President of the Women's Club, Girl Scout Leader, and supporter of many other events and activities.

Mike and Greta enjoyed weekly lunch dates, traveling to see their grandchildren, taking their latest road trip, visiting Wisconsin with their life-long friends the Bane's, and watching the Bears and Notre Dame football (a game she finally admitted she didn't understand when she was 79). Greta could often be found completing her latest puzzle, finishing a sewing project, working on a crossword or sudoku, talking on the phone with her sisters, or watching her favorite game shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy (reminding her of her triumphant run on the Price is Right).

She was preceded in death by father, George Fiessinger; mother, Mary Fiessinger; brother, Jim Fiessinger; and sisters-in-law, Muzzy Fiessinger and Janice Saelens.

Greta is survived by her husband, Mike; her daughters, Jean Saelens, Tricia (Doug) Dieck, and Chris (Brian) O'Keefe; her grandchildren, Joe Orecchio (fiancée Maggie Gentine), Kate Orecchio, Ethan Dieck, Greta Dieck, Meghan O'Keefe, Adam Dieck, Maddie O'Keefe, Dave Orecchio, Patrick O'Keefe, and Liam O'Keefe; her sisters, Marilyn O'Brien and Helen (Bob) Lampke; brothers-in-law John Saelens and Frank (Monique) Saelens; and numerous nieces and nephews. Greta was loved and adored by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Public visitation will be at 10:00am on Saturday, November 25, at Our Lady of the Wayside Church at 434 W Park St, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00am at Our Lady of the Wayside Church.

In lieu of flowers, Greta requested donations to Our Lady of the Wayside School's Gloria Rebek Scholarship Fund (https://www.olwschool.org/support-olw/scholarship-fund/).