Gerald Michael Besenhofer

Of Elk Grove Village

Gerald M. Besenhofer, formerly of Mt. Prospect, was born on September 13, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois to Charles and Opal (nee Lancaster) Besenhofer. He died Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Northwest Community Hospital, in Arlington Heights.

Mr. Besenhofer was a Police Sergeant for the Village of Arlington Heights for 31 years then worked for the Village of Arlington Heights, as an Operations Support Supervisor for the police department for another six years. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War in the military intelligence division.

A 1965 graduate of Prospect High School, he attended Northern Arizona University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in police science in 1970. Gerald was a member of the Three Lakes, Wisc. American Legion Post #431, Arlington Heights FOP Lodge #80, Geezers of Retired Arlington PD, and a former member of the Arlington Heights Police Pension Board. He enjoyed spending summers at his home in Northern Wisconsin and winters at his home in Mesa, Ariz. Jerry was a student of WW II history and relaxed with hunting, fishing, boating, his dogs, and antiquing. He was a fantastic cook who loved to cook for his family, especially Chinese dishes. He was an avid fan of the Bears, White Sox, and NASCAR. He was the former lead singer and guitarist of the Coachmen and continued his singing at his summer home doing Karaoke with his family and friends.

Gerald is survived by his wife Carol nee (Kuhl); his daughter, Jennifer Lauren (Michael Stachura) Besenhofer; his dogs, Mitzi and Chloe.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Thomas Besenhofer; his parents; his stepfather, John Fielder; his father-in-law, Bernhard Kuhl, his Mother-in-law, Marva Kuhl; and his sister-in-law, Roxanne Burkum.

Visitation from 3:00 pm until time of Memorial Service at 7:30 pm, Thursday, July 8, 2021, at Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd., 1520 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Humane Society of Vilas County, 2477 Highway 45 N, Eagle River, WI 54521, https://vilascountypets.org/donate, or to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718 http://www.cancer.org, or to the American Heart Assn. 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL, 60674 https://donatenow.heart.org.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.