Damien Thomas Wren

1940 - 2022

Damien Thomas Wren, a beloved son, husband, father and grandfather, died on December 22, 2022, at the age of 82. He will be remembered as a dedicated family man, a loyal friend and wise counsel to many.

A life-long Chicagoan, Damien was born in the city on January 27, 1940, to the late Thomas J. and Marie R. Wren. Raised on the South Side, he attended Nazareth Hall military school for a stint in Ohio and graduated from Christ the King School in the Beverly neighborhood. Damien spoke fondly of his high school days at Saint Ignatius College Prep, where he graduated in 1958. He received an A.B. from the University of Notre Dame and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. In the mid-1960s, he served as a Captain in the United States Army, stationed in Germany.

Damien returned to practice law in Chicago for nearly 50 years. He was a member of both the Illinois State and Chicago Bar Association, where he served as a committee chair, and was a highly regarded colleague and mentor. He also spent years helping his community as president of the Lake Shore Condominium Association.

An avid reader, Damien particularly enjoyed history and genealogy, connecting with his strong Irish roots. He also enjoyed traveling, basketball, skiing, classical music, a good comedy and was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bulls and Bears. While he loved the city, Damien found great pleasure in nature, planting trees and riding his tractor at the family's country retreat. Throughout his life, he carried himself with humility and generosity. His quiet comfort will be missed.

His family and friends gave him his greatest joy. He was a loving husband to his wife of 50 years, Dr. Benedicta (Ulep) Wren; a devoted father to daughters Jennifer (Cutler) Durkee and Dr. Kathleen (Brian) Phelan; a cherished grandpa to grandchildren Kathleen and Wren Durkee; John, Patrick and Kathleen Phelan; and a treasured friend and relative to so many. He is predeceased by his dear sisters Marie (Richard) Clay and Ellen (the late Richard) Anderson.

Visitation will be offered on Saturday, January 14, 2022 at Assumption Catholic Church, 323 W. Illinois Street, in Chicago, IL 60654, starting at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m; for more church information, please visit assumption-chgo.org. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Saint Ignatius College Prep.