Myrna Hanisch

Myrna Lee (Berge) Hanisch, formerly of Algonquin, IL, passed away Friday, December 27, 2024. She was born April 29, 1940, in Chicago, IL, daughter of Karsten and Lena (Vigrestad) Berge, who emigrated from Norway to Chicago. Her beloved brother, Knud O. Berge, preceded her in death in March 2024, and has now welcomed her home.

Myrna leaves behind a strong legacy of love: Husband and lifelong partner Robert H. Hanisch; four loving daughters and sons-in-law: Terry (Bob) Gorski, Lisa (Mike) Bieneman, Karyn (Carl) Zielinski, and Kris (Scott) Mainellis. She has ten adoring grandchildren plus their spouses, partners, and two great-grandchildren: Andrew Gorski, Elizabeth (Joel, and daughter Reagan) Guth, and Rebecca Gorski (Matthew Stacy); Thomas (Sara, and daughter Cassidy) Bieneman, and Lucas (Brittney Joy) Bieneman; Christian Zielinski (Maria Dracopoli), Karsten Zielinski (Anna Boardman), and Charles Zielinski; Erik (Jarrell Gamilla) Mainellis, and Jackson Mainellis. Myrna is also treasured by many other loving family members, including those in the Chicago area and in New Hampshire.

Myrna adored her grandchildren and lit up when she was with them. She made sure they all knew they were loved, and she was very involved in their lives. Myrna also loved animals, including the birds and rabbits in her yard. But her favorites were always dogs, and she delighted in the companionship of Buffy, Tuffy, Robbie, Wolf, and Woody, and several "granddogs" over her life. She was passionate about gardening and absolutely loved trees, plants, and nature. She was a long-time member of the Algonquin Garden Club. Gifts in Memory of Myrna's life may be made to Arbor Day Foundation (planting trees in her honor) or to Alzheimer's Association (supporting research in her honor).

Myrna was a bright, shining light. She blessed her family, and the world, every day. Beautiful inside and out, she always shared her light with us. Strong hugs, gentle words, generous encouragement, warming love - always shining - to show us the way. Hers is one of the brightest lights any of us have known. Or ever will know. Myrna's light is her love. We carry it in our hearts. Always.

A Celebration of Life worship service will be held Saturday, January 18, at 10:30 am, at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 1044 Congress Dr., Bartlett, IL 60103. The service will also be webcast, at this link: https://bit.ly/Myrna-Hanisch-Celebration. A luncheon will immediately follow the service in the church's Fellowship Hall. A private interment at Ridgewood Memorial Park cemetery in Des Plaines, IL, will take place at a later date.