Elmer John Handler, 93, of Burr Ridge, Illinois

Elmer John Handler, 93, of Burr Ridge, Illinois passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2022. “El” was born July 26, 1928 in Chicago to John and Elsie (Lakits) Handler. He attended St. Alphonsus grammar school and Saint Michael’s High School graduating as valedictorian of both before entering the U.S. Army. He served in the Korean War as a non-commissioned officer where he was promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant and decorated with 5 medals including the Bronze Star for “heroic and meritorious achievement.” Upon returning to the States, El rejoined Beatrice Foods where he served one of the largest global companies in the Fortune 500 for 43 years, and concurrently attended the Illinois Institute of Technology studying accounting. He worked primarily at Beatrice’s flagship Meadow Gold Division serving in a variety of finance and accounting roles. In that capacity he earned the global conglomerate’s Outstanding Employee Award given to only one employee each year, before moving to the Beatrice Global headquarters in downtown Chicago where he served as National Accounts Coordinator. Shortly after the sale of Beatrice Foods, El joined the Tootsie Roll Company in a similar capacity working their until his retirement.

In 1955, Elmer married the love of his life, Jean Neitzel, from Steger, Illinois; they were happily married for 66 years. They first made their home in the South Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago before relocating to South Holland to raise their children together. They subsequently moved to Palos Heights and most recently to Burr Ridge. El was an adoring husband and loving father to their 4 children who remember him as humble, generous, intelligent, funny, fiercely protective and incredibly kind. El was known as a consummate professional at work and in the community demonstrating his dedication to hard work, integrity and respect for others. He was a constant volunteer for the church and served for decades in various capacities at both St. Jude the Apostle in South Holland and St. Alexanders in Palos Heights parishes.

El was always an avid and loyal Cubs fan who was thrilled to finally participate in the 2016 World Series Championship celebrations near his childhood home. He remained a strong and supportive patriot throughout his entire life, enjoyed history and was an avid reader. He and Jean thoroughly enjoyed traveling all over the world with family, friends and neighbors. Elmer will be missed greatly, but remembered as a passionate and gentle man that loved God, knowledge, travel, his country, friends and especially his wife, family and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Jean of 66 years, his children Thomas Handler (Kimberly) of Winnetka, Mary Amadio of Westfield, Indiana, Patricia Handler Spratte (Tim) of Rochester, Minnesota and Anne Jurgeto (Anthony) of Lemont, 9 grandchildren: Ross and Kenton Handler, Nicholas Amadio, Lauren Handler Lemieux, Katherine Spratte Joyce, Elizabeth Amadio Schumacher, Pete Spratte, and Samantha and Aly Jurgeto and 6 great-grandchildren.

Visitation Monday, April 4th from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Chapel prayers Tuesday, April 5th, 11:00 a.m. at the KERRY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CARE CENTER, 7020 W. 127TH Street, Palos Heights. Proceeding to Saint Alexander Church, Mass 11:30 a.m.

Entombment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery