Della Duensing

Della Duensing, age 97, passed away on October 8, 2026. Della was born June 28, 1929 in Chicago Heights, Illinois. She attended Bloom High School and graduated in 1947. While working at National Tea, she met her future husband, Richard Duensing. They were married in 1956 and moved to Crete in 1959. Together they owned and ran an ice cream store in Crete for 20 years.

Della’s hobbies included crocheting and counted cross-stitching. But she was best known for her baking and her running. Everyone always looked forward to her baked goods. Her running career lasted nearly 40 years, participating in many 5k and 10k races as well as the Park Forest Scenic 10 and a half marathon.

Della loved being a grandmother and always looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren. She will be remembered also as a second “mom” to many others.

Della is survived by her loving children: Cheryl Duensing, Richard (Joanna) Duensing and Mary (Lance) Murphy; cherished grandchildren: Anna Owens, Joseph (Kaylyn) Duensing; Brianne Murphy, Kyle Murphy and Shannon Murphy.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Peter and Bernadine Simone; husband, Richard Duensing; sister, Marie; and brothers: Frank, Jerry and Louis.

Della will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. She will be laid to rest at Skyline Memorial Park in Monee, IL