Memorial Day 2022 Tributes: Illinois Patch Readers Honor Fallen Heroes

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Memorial Day 2022 is another opportunity to pay tribute to the fallen service members whose memories we hold dear. We asked Illinois Patch readers to share their dedications to the fallen veterans they love. Take a moment to read the following tributes and feel free to share your own in the comments section.

Navy Commander David Van Duyn

"My father was a Flight Navigator in the Navy, spending four years doing active duty and 17 years as a reservist. He was very proud of his service for what it taught him and more importantly what it allowed him to do for his country. He lived his life with a focus on duty and service which is how approached his marriage and raised his three children. His Naval career was part of my young life, waiting for him to come home from weekend duties or looking for souvenirs from his yearly two-week deployments. Even after he left the Navy, his military service was part of our life with the stories he shared (cleaned up I’m sure), the places we vacationed (near military historical locations) and even in the music we heard (more than a few Navy Band albums). We are proud of my Father’s service to the country."

-Jim Van Duyn

Gerald Feltz, U.S. Air Force

"Gone, but not forgotten. Love you all,"

-Jody Kowalewicz

Army Sgt. Steven J. Myers

"Army Sgt. Steven J Meyers Long time St. Charles, IL resident and a dear friend to many. His family is still heartbroken over losing him 10 years ago. He is missed by many family, friends and coworkers, but mostly his wife, Jo Ann, daughters, Sarah and Jocelyn, and his dogs. He was a great hugger, a funny guy and a wonderful man. Children loved him. [It's] so sad he never met his own grandchildren. He was a true family man and a hard worker. [We] miss his tough, but fair demeanor. His passing has left a hole in many of our hearts. He was, and still remains a hero."

-Sarah J. Myers

Ray Witzig, U.S. Army

"I grew up in a small town in Central Illinois. Ray Witzig lived two houses from us. He was two years older than me. Every summer we played together, rode bikes, etc. In 1967 Ray volunteered for the Army. After Basic and AIT, he was sent to Vietnam. About three months into his tour, he and his squad went out on patrol. Someone threw a grenade into his area. Without hesitating, according to his fellow squad members, Ray dove on top of the grenade, saving the lives of everyone else. That is who Ray was. 'Greater love has no man than to give up his life for his friends.' I still hear his laugh and concern for others."

-Al Litwiller

PFC Gunnar Hotchkin

"My son, PFC Gunnar Hotchkin, was an army engineer and paratrooper in the Regular U.S. Army. He lived in Naperville when he joined the army, but graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 1997. He left behind a wife and three children. He was killed by an IED during a battle with insurgents in Kunduz, Afghanistan June 16, 2010."

-Christine Hotchkin

Bernard Arbogast, U.S. Marine Corps

"My Father, Bernard Arbogast, enlisted in the Marine Corps at the beginning of World War II. He served in the Pacific Theater on the Marshall Islands and gained the rank of Sergeant. A memory I have is going to the Fourth of July Concert at the bandshell. We had to leave early because he didn’t want to be in the crowds. The band was playing the 1812 Overture. When the cannon went off at the end, my dad almost hit the ground which surprised me. He said he would never forget the sound of a cannon."

-Jean Jarrell

Louis Arbogast

"My Grandfather, Louis Arbogast, was drafted into the Army during World War I. He became a private and was stationed at Camp Grant near Rockford. He was a marksman, teaching his fellow soldiers how to shoot. Grandpa was on the front page of the Naperville Sun for the Memorial Day edition in 1979. Both of these men were important parts of my life. I am thankful for their service."

-Jean Jarrell

Local Scouts Salute Veterans

"Scouts BSA Pack 3668 and Troop 668 of Worth, Illinois, salute all our Veterans. Thank you for your service."

-Deb Skopec

Otto Lutz

"Otto Lutz was my father's brother. I didn't know him, since he died before I was born. He was involved in Exercise Tiger and died on April 28, 1944."

-Bernadine Lutz Klecan

Woodridge World War II Veterans

"This picture is from our VFW Memorial Day service in 2005. It pictures VFW members John Sucansky and Ray Travis surrounded by a platoon of World War II re-enactors. This is to honor all of Woodridge's World War II veterans."

-Woodridge VFW

Earl H. Diehl, Navy Sea Bees

"This is my dad, Earl H. Diehl, who served in the Navy Seabees in War II."

-Darla Vidican

Ed Sikorski, U.S. Navy

"Gone, but not forgotten. Love you all,"

-Jody Kowalewicz

Ron Feltz, U.S. Marines

"Gone, but not forgotten. Love you all,"

-Jody Kowalewicz