Eleanor Resch

Eleanor Resch, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in DeKalb, Illinois, on April 21, 2026, at the age of 89. Her final moments were spent surrounded by family and in prayer. A lifelong Illinoisian, Eleanor was born in Chicago on April 21, 1937, to Rosa and Anton Terkowitsch. She was an avid traveler and visited many countries. Eleanor’s greatest passion, however, has always been her family. With her husband, Robert (Bob) Resch, she had seven children: Paul, Mark, Rita, Ruth, Elizabeth, Michael, and Rose. In 1997, Eleanor and Bob settled in Paw Paw, Illinois. She spent the rest of her life as the cherished family matriarch. She was deeply dedicated to her 23 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren (with four more on the way). Eleanor attended many family events, from dance recitals to sports games, and her caring presence was an irreplaceable comfort and good luck charm to those who were fortunate enough to love and be loved by her.

Eleanor was also very involved in Paw Paw’s local community; some of her favorite things to do included getting breakfast and playing dominoes with her many friends. Most important was the time she spent practicing her faith. A devout Catholic, Eleanor attended St. Theresa Catholic Church and went to Mass every Sunday. She was a true follower of Christ and never hesitated to offer prayer to someone in need.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her mother, Rosa; father, Anton; husband, Robert; son, Michael; daughter, Rita; granddaughter, Sara; grandson, Johnathan; and siblings, Rose, Anthony, Dorothy, and Joseph. She is survived by her remaining children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was deeply loved by her family, who know she is always with them. As she herself liked to say, “I am always in your pocket.”

Visitation will be from 4-8 P.M. Friday, April 24, 2026, at Torman Funeral Home, 510 Flagg Street, Paw Paw, IL 61353.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 221 W. Union St., Earlville, IL 60518. Entombment will follow at 12:30 P.M. in St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove, IL. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.