John David Henders

Dave Henders was born in Chicago on January 22, 1935 and passed peacefully on April 3, 2021.

He married Mary Ellen (Burris) on October 24, 1970 until her death on April 9, 2014.

He was the most wonderful dad to Debbie Henders Fini and Lynn (John) Matos.

Most proud and sweet Papa of Johnny (Alicia), Emily, Kameryn, Brandon, Nicolas and Jake, and absolutely adored his great grandson Jovanni.

He was the baby brother of Ray (Sharon) Henders and was predeceased by his parents Harry & Annie (Keough) and his siblings and their spouses Harry (Kay), Bill (Pat), Joan (Bill) Subach, Nancy (Bob) Schmidt.

He is also survived by his in laws Jim Burris and Peggy O'Donnell and he was the fun uncle (great and great great too) to so many.

Growing up on the Irish West Side, Dave attended Resurrection Grammar School and St. Phillip High School.

Dave was a huge sports fan and passed that onto his kids and grandkids. He loved his Cubs and was a previous season ticket holder for many years to the Blackhawks, Bears and ND football.  In the early 80's, he became a Badger football fan, following the football career of his nephew.  Most of his days were spent watching golf or replays of Cubs games, which never would get old for him and he loved Jeopardy!

Dave had an amazing work ethic. He was a member of Local 126 for 53 years and was a Machinist for the City of Chicago for 35 years, retiring as a Foreman with the Bridges in 1998.  He loved his job, because he loved Chicago so much. He knew all there was to know about Chicago's 52 moveable bridges.

Dave was a simple guy that loved Pell Lake, Wisconsin, UP Michigan – Keweenaw Peninsula, a vodka gimlet or 4, Chocolate and Ice Cream, a nice walk around Elmwood Park, and a nice long weekend at the Abbey surrounded by his family.  He adored all his nieces and nephews, loved spending time with them and was so proud of them all.

Dave was the quietest guy in the room, until he hit you with a one liner that would leave you rolling.  He was hilarious in an unobvious way.  We will all miss that sense of humor with the mischievous grin.

Our dad lived a wonderful life…we were so fortunate to have him for so long. He is so loved and will be so missed.

Visitation, Saturday, from 9 a.m. until time of Prayers, 11 a.m. at The Elms Funeral Home 7600 W. Grand Ave. (North on 76 ^th Ave.) Elmwood Park to St. Celestine Church, Mass 11:30 a.m.  Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery.  Please visit www.elmsfh.com for a full obituary and visitation protocol.  For information 708-453-1234

Due to current health mandates, everyone is asked to be patient and abide by the number of visitors allowed inside the funeral home. Only 50 guests are allowed in the funeral home at a time. Everyone is welcomed, but we ask that you keep your visit short so that all who wish to pay their respects will be able to do so. The coffee lounge is closed; no food or drink is permissible.  Please note that all visitors are required to wear face masks to enter the funeral home.