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WARREN OSENBERG Obituary
Born June 23, 1926, in DeKalb, the son of Erwin and Celia (Ellithorpe) Osenberg, Warren was a remarkable man, known for his dedication to his family and friends. He will be remembered for his service through his contributions to his country, business industry and local area.
He graduated from DeKalb High School and attended Beloit College before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1946. He served in the Counter-Intelligence Corps, first at Fort George Meade, Md., and afterward in Germany. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant in February 1949, and subsequently recalled to duty in 1950, serving first at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and then again with the Counter-Intelligence Corps in Maryland. He was honorably discharged, with the rank of sergeant first class in September 1952.
After his first discharge from the Army, Warren went into the insurance business, beginning with the Maryland Casualty Company. In 1955, he joined the William F. Wiltberger Agency in DeKalb, in which he rose to the rank of president and chairman of the board before leaving in 1988 to join the Genoa Insurance Company, which later merged with Crum-Halsted Insurance. He served the industry in many ways, including terms as president and chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois. He was recognized with many honors, including the "Man With the Plan" award in 1968 and the Cartwright Award from IIAI in 1978.
Warren also was active in government and public service to the local community, serving on the DeKalb County Board, Library Board, Chamber of Commerce, DeKalb County Economic Development Commission (later the DeKalb County Development Corporation) and as a founding member and the first president of Crime Stoppers of DeKalb County. Warren was inducted into the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 2010. In the 1970s, Governor Dan Walker appointed Warren to the Medical Malpractice Committee, the only insurance agent on that body. Warren was a member and president of the DeKalb Lions Club, a life member of the DeKalb Elks Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, KCH100 and American Legion. He also was a member of Kishwaukee Country Club for more than 50 years.
Warren married Arlene Whittenberg on June 10, 1950, in Mount Prospect. After Arlene's death in 1979, Warren married Frances (Hawkins) Spires on Sept. 26, 1980, in DeKalb.
He is survived by his wife, Fran; children, Craig Osenberg of Gainesville, Fla., Camille Corken of Scottsdale, Ariz., Michael Spires of Rockville, Md., and Michelle Spires of Pingree Grove; brother- and sister-in-law, Bruce and RuthAnne Osenberg of Tucson, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Amanda, Adam, Nathan, Zachary and Audrey; brother-in-law, George Medernach; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Arlene; brother, Wayne; sister, Nancy; and his parents.
The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Anderson Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb, with the Rev. Robert Vaughn officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Park Cemetery, DeKalb, with full military honors by DeKalb County Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Warren E. Osenberg Memorial Fund, in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 S. Fourth St., DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WARREN OSENBERG
Aaron Raffel
December 5, 2012
I have many fond memories of Warren. He was a great man, and someone who I came to rely on often. He always had DeKalb's best interest in mind in all of our talks.
My thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time.
Aaron
Elaine Latimer
October 25, 2012
Cammy and Craig, I am so very sorry to hear of your dads passing. Also sorry I was unable to make visitation/funeral. I think of you all often and the many memories growing up on Terrace Drive. God bless you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elaine(doherty)and Jeff Latimer
Julie Blank-Hearring
October 16, 2012
To all of the Osenbergs, I extend my sympathies. I remember Warren as another of my role models in the insurance industry. A good man - feisty! My father and I enjoyed him immensely and his contibutions to our Association were great. God bless.
Roger Hopkins
October 16, 2012
We should all recognize Warren for his economic development vision and leadership in the region. Warren was the standard bearer for jobs and investment.
Nancy Castle
October 16, 2012
Fran, I remember Warren as a warm, wonderful, delightful human being. My prayers are with you and the family.
October 16, 2012
Cammy and Craig, and all,
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. I have many wonderful memories of growing up on Terrace Drive and your father was one of the anchor points.
will keep your family in my prayers
Mary (stevenson) Urbas
Robert & Nancy Sackse
October 15, 2012
A great loss. He was a big help to me when we worked togeather at Paul Jacobson Co. Lord give him peace.
Laurie Gibbs
October 15, 2012
Fran and family, many hugs and prayers coming your way. Warren was a real trooper. May you find comfort and peace at a time most needed.
October 14, 2012
Dear Cammy and Craig and to all the extending family. I donot even know the words we can put this in. We are very saddened by your Fathers death. He was a wonderful man. He was always there for everything. We have so many heart found memories of our growing up. Terrace Drive and Beyound. May God be with you. Thru our tears, and special memories, your family will always be with you. Our prayers go to all of you. Your Dad was always there when Mom and I needed a shoulder to cry on. He was always there for Jay and Craig and most of all my Dad. Our hearts and love go out to you. God bless, Godspeed, Forever Love, Joe, Janice, Jay and Jane.
Colleen & Matt Grant and family
October 14, 2012
Dearest Cammy and the Osenberg family, We're so saddened for you at the loss of Warren. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
October 14, 2012
Dear Fran, We are so sorry to read of Warren,s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bud and Karen Duffey
Cathy (Berg) Baldin
October 14, 2012
Craig & family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You are in my thoughts.
Lisa Stach
October 13, 2012
We're so very saddened to hear about Warren's passing. He was a remarkable man with the kind of lifelong devotion to his family, his friends, and his community that is rarely (if ever) seen; he will be deeply missed by many.
Fran, our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. Don, Cameron, and Jordan join me in sending you our love and our hope that you may all find peace and comfort in one another and in your many wonderful memories.
Debbie Reiling
October 13, 2012
To the family of Mr. Osenberg we extend our deepest sympathy. Sending prayers your way.
Kathy & Mark Stelford
October 13, 2012
I first met Warren and Fran at KCHs Gauze & Applause in 1987 and will never forget his good humor and goodwill. We've been friends through all the years. Now he can tell his corny jokes to his friends in heaven.
Stephan Japuntich
October 13, 2012
He was a gentleman and a "gentle man". I remember him stopping by the house after my mother died to provide comfort to Dad, Joe and me. Warren played college basketball for Beloit and once was assigned to guard the great George Mikan. My sympathies to the family. Requiescat in pace.
October 12, 2012
An outstanding guy with a heart of gold and a smile to match!! We send our love to his beautiful wife and loving family--Bob and Diane Hammon
Toni Weeks
October 12, 2012
Warren was one of the first insurance agents that I met when I started working for the Manning family many moons ago. That booming voice, the hearty laughter, the "Hey, Doll"! My life is richer for having known Warren as a businessman, customer and friend. I am so glad I got to spend some time with him this past year. We will miss him but know that he is in a better place. We will miss you, Warren and thank you for your service.
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