Bernard William Elsner

Bernard W. Elsner, 85 of DeKalb Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday July 17, 2015 surrounded by his family in the comfort of their lake home in Michigan.  Bernie had a big personality and a passion for life that was the driving force behind his many successes.  He leaves behind a legacy of commitment to family, loyalty to friends, and dedication to his beloved University of Illinois. Bernie grew up in Chicago and attended high school at St. Bede Academy in Peru, Il. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1953 where he was a proud member of the 1952 Rose Bowl Championship Team. Fondly referred to as the “Ringman”, he had a 50- year career with Herff Jones selling class rings in the Chicagoland Area. Bernie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pat, his 6 children – Susan Elsner (Jim), Kathy Peoples (George), Deanie Elsner, Elizabeth Elsner (Tanya), Patti  Helm (Blake) and Bernie Elsner II – 13 grandchildren and 3 siblings – Kathleen Juricic, Betty Moore and John Elsner Jr. A visitation will be held on Monday July 27 from 4:00-8:00pm at Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak Street, DeKalb Il. A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday July 28 at 10:30am located at 329 Pine St. DeKalb,Il. Internment will be held in a private service at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice organization of your choice.