Alexander Zill

Alexander Zill, aged 19, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025. Born in Chicago on June 15, 2005, he lived a life marked by deep empathy, boundless curiosity, and a generous spirit that touched countless lives-both near and far. Alex loved the outdoors, his dogs, gaming, and learning new things. He always wanted to understand how things worked and why. When something sparked his interest, he immersed himself completely, learning everything he could before moving on to the next fascination. Through their involvement with Houndsong, Alex and his mother fostered numerous dogs, several of which Alex lovingly adopted, including Elle, Mona, Kyra, and Elmer. His online friends knew him as someone who freely gave encouragement and heartfelt support, along with an image from his collection of HD frogs. In the days following his passing, hundreds of messages poured in from friends across the world-testaments to the deep and lasting impact he had made in such a short time on this earth. He had a special way of making others feel seen, often reaching out to support those who were struggling-even when he was quietly fighting his own battles.

Alex loved his family and his cousins adored him. Tanner and Alex were 3 years and 1 day apart and were like brothers. Each summer, during our annual family vacation to Rhinelander, Alex could be found surrounded by a gaggle of cousins, all wanting to play in the sand, challenge him to a game of king-of-the-raft, go for a tubing ride, or play another fun childhood game. Alex loved to climb trees. Every time we were leaving grandma's, if we couldn't find Alex, we knew he was at the top of the tree, where he is now perched looking over all his cousins.

Alex's dreams for the future were ever-evolving, but his whiteboard-still marked with his guiding goals-read "max retirement, car, house, & $100K/ year." He wanted to succeed, he wanted to find his way. His greatest adversary was a loud mind. One that spun and wove and kept on cycling. Alex's death from an accidental overdose leaves a profound void in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. It is a tragic reminder that the challenges young people face today are real and often hidden beneath the surface. No one is immune, and every life lost is one too many. Alex is remembered not only for what he loved, but for how he loved-for the depth of his kindness, the brilliance of his mind, and the quiet ways he helped others carry their burdens.

Alex is survived by his beloved mother, Carissa, his cherished grandmother, Mary Beth, and his loyal dogs, Elle and Kyra. He is lovingly remembered by his Uncle Robert, Aunt Cheryl, Aunt Miss, Aunt Christy, Uncle Jarred, and Uncle John; as well as extended family including Debi, Dan, Sam, Kim, Jorie, Adam, Meredith, Angela, Michelle, Jennifer, Harmony, and Jon. He leaves behind great aunts Ruth, Thelma, Diane, and Sherry, and great uncles Ed and Brian. Alex's cousins, whom he adored, include Tanner, MaryAnna, Teagan, Cameron, and Jovie. Additional treasured cousins include Steven, Danny, Caleb, Phoebe, Kailynn, Kelly, Trinity, Ella, Maya, and many others. He is also remembered by countless other loving relatives and friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, and generous spirit.

He is preceded in death by Great Grandma and Grandpa Lewis, Uncle Ron, Uncle Clint, and Great Grandma and Grandpa Zill, and dogs Mona and Elmer.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL, 567 South Spring Road, Elmhurst from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A funeral service will begin at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, live potted plants for display during the services would be appreciated, or please make a donation to the Sky's the Limit Fund in Alex's memory, supporting families of adolescents and young adults facing severe mental health challenges through wilderness therapy and therapeutic nature-based programs.

The family would like to express gratitude to the Bensenville Police and Emergency Management teams for their compassion and support.

For information, (630) 834-3515.