Eleanor M McKernan

Eleanor M. McKernan (nee Schmidt) passed away peacefully on June 13th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Affectionately called “Ellie” by friends and relatives, she was a devoted mother, quick-witted grandmother, loyal sister, and a pillar of strength and sacrifice.

She was born on March 14, 1934 and grew up in Des Plaines, IL. She attended St. Mary Elementary School and later St. Patrick Academy. After graduating from high school in 1952, she completed her nursing degree at St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Evanston, IL. She then spent the next 35 years working as an RN, most of them at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, where her sharp mind, tireless work ethic, and trademark humor brought comfort to patients and colleagues.

Eleanor was the loving mother of Kevin (Mary Hironimus) McKernan, Dan McKernan, Mary (Harry Bartosiak) McKernan, and Karen McKernan. She dearly loved her grandchildren, Jack, Ben and Ellie Bartosiak. She is survived also by her sisters Margaret Schmidt, IHM and Lillian Obenauf (nee Schmidt). She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Herta Schmidt. She stayed current on world events, could debate any headline with ease, and still find the perfect joke to lighten a room.

The McKernan family is very grateful for Eleanor’s long and enriching life and would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have been a part of it.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 25th with visitation at 1:00 pm followed by a prayer service at 2:00 at Lauterburg Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to IHM Sisters, Monroe, MI (ihmsisters.org)