David Dienberg

David James Dienberg, son of Clifford and Lauretta Dienberg, was born April 8, 1968 and passed away August 2, 2025, surrounded by his family. He grew up in Oak Park with his eight brothers and sisters: Denise (Patrick), Gayle (Bill), Steve, Clifford (Reggie), Sue, Mark, Craig, and Laurie (Jay). Dave graduated St. Patrick High-school, in Chicago, Illinois in 1986 after watching the Chicago Bears win the 1985 Superbowl. Dave met Jennifer Gorsuch (Bug) and started dating in 1988. Smitten, he moved all the way to the Stillman Valley area in 1989, where he then married the love of his life in September, 1991 in Rockford, Illinois. Dave worked as a printer for Rockford Public Schools, after working as a printer by trade in his father’s print shop ‘Dienberg and Sons’. Happily, together, Dave and Bug lived in Cherry Valley, where they welcomed their son Joseph (Joey) in 1994. Loving the small-town culture that Bug grew up in, Dave, Bug, and Joey moved to Stillman Valley in 2000. Dave was an enthusiastic and highly supportive dad as Joey forged through the Boy Scouts, even taking a trip together to Philmont. Dave, Bug, and Joey were introduced to Alexis (Lexi) in 2005. Dave quickly knew in his heart that Lexi was meant to be part of his family. After falling in love with that little girl, Dave and Bug underwent the process to officially adopt Lexi, which became finalized in 2008. Dave continued to support his children’s hobbies, and soon threw himself as enthusiastically into Lexi’s hobbies and passions, including softball, which meant the long weekends at the ballfield. Joey introduced the family to Eldora (Dorrie) in 2010. Dave and Bug celebrated Joey and Dorrie’s marriage in 2017. The sweet type of high-school sweetheart relationship that Dave and Bug lived set an example for Joey and Dorrie to follow. Dave became a grandpa to his first grandchild, Zachary (son of Joey and Dorrie), in 2021. Dave was once again enthusiastic about the interests that Zachary had and was a very involved figure. Prior to passing, Dave welcomed his second grandchild, Geneva (daughter of Joey and Dorrie). Dave proudly watched his kids grow in their careers as the Village Administrator of Winnebago (Joey) and a geologist (Dorrie), as well as, Lexi becoming a CNA and studying and working her way through school to be a nurse.

Between the Boy Scout outings, travel softball, and being there to support all of the other interests of Joey and Lexi, Dave spent a lot of his time with his family, including siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, grandparents, and more, camping, swimming, kayaking, hunting, and fishing where “Everyday’ s a holiday”, South Wilmington Sportsman’s Club. Dave loved watching the Chicago Bears, and the Chicago Cubs and other sports with his family.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Lauretta, father-in-law, Willard (Bill) Gorsuch, his brothers Mark and Steve, and his nephew Tim. He leaves behind his six remaining brothers and sisters, his wife, three kids, two grandkids, mother-in-law Pat Gorsuch, many brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

Dave’s family would like to express great gratitude to his hospice nurse Sue and the rest of his hospice care team and the OSF Cancer Center for wonderful care and support.

A visitation time will take place on Sunday, August 10, 2025, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home of Stillman Valley, IL. A short memorial service will follow the visitation hours. Immediately following the memorial the family would like to invite family and friends to a luncheon at Fritz’s Wooden Nickel of Stillman Valley, IL.

In lieu of flowers consider donating to cancer research at OSF St. Anthony at the below website.

OSF Health Care Cancer Research