Etta Roberta Narjes

Etta Roberta Narjes, sister, aunt and friend, passed away on February 26, 2026, in Libertyville, Illinois at the age of 85. Etta was born on April 12, 1940, in Detmold, Germany, to Arnold and Hedwig Narjes. Etta's spirited nature and compassionate heart touched everyone she met.

In 1952, at the age of twelve, Etta and her family embarked on a new chapter, moving from Germany to the United States. They settled in Lake Forest, Illinois, where Etta would become a cherished member of the community. She attended Gorton School and Lake Forest High School, where her creative talents began to flourish, setting the stage for her lifelong career.

Etta's passion for beauty and nature was evident in her work as a floral designer. Throughout her career, she brought joy and solace to countless individuals with her arrangements, working with esteemed local establishments such as Jahnke's, McAdams, and Edwards Florists. Her artistry and dedication to her craft were unparalleled, and her creations were a testament to her love for the natural world.

A devout Lutheran and member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, Etta's faith was a cornerstone of her existence. She taught Sunday School, sharing her deep religious convictions and nurturing the spiritual growth of the young minds in her care.

Etta's love extended beyond her human connections to encompass all creatures great and small. An animal lover through and through, she found joy in the company of every species. She often cared for the pets of friends and family, treating them like her own. She also enjoyed babysitting for her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, creating many cherished memories with each of them.

Etta's life was enriched by her beloved family. She is survived by her sisters, Inge (the late Bill) Knauz and Bärbel "Barbara" Balliet as well as niece and nephews Kim (William) Madden, David (Kitty) Knauz and Mark Balliet. She also leaves behind her great nieces and nephews, Will Madden, Katie (Brenden) Cerney, Alex (Sarah) Knauz and Julia Knauz. She was preceded in death by her nephew Karl (Sydney) Knauz. Preceding her in death, also, were her beloved cats, Boo, Toby, and Oliver, whom she would have insisted be included in this list.

Those who knew Etta will remember her as a kind soul, whose faith-filled life and spirited demeanor inspired all who crossed her path. She was a woman of unwavering principles, boundless generosity, and infectious enthusiasm for life. Her legacy will continue to bloom in the hearts of her family, friends, and all the lives she touched with her warmth and grace.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 10:00 am at Bethel Lutheran Church, 5110 Grand Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois. Interment will be private at Lake Forest Cemetery, Lake Forest, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made online to Save-A-Pet at https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E169515&id=15

The family has also created a Memorial Page for anyone to share a memory or favorite photo of Etta at https://www.cattech.org/Etta_Narjes/