Several notable individuals from the Chicago area and beyond passed away recently, leaving behind legacies in various fields including medicine, finance, law, and community service.
Dr. Lowell Scott Weil Sr., an internationally renowned podiatric surgeon, died peacefully on September 17, 2026, in Glenview, Illinois, one day after celebrating his 85th birthday. A pioneer in foot and ankle surgery, Weil founded the Weil Foot & Ankle Institute and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Throughout his career, he held leadership roles including presidency of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the Board of Podiatric Surgery. Weil was also a longtime sports medicine consultant for Chicago professional teams such as the Bears, White Sox, and Bulls, contributing to multiple championship victories. He is survived by his wife Nancy, children, grandchildren, and numerous friends and colleagues. Arrangements are through Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, with the family requesting donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Financial markets expert and author Dick Stoken died at age 91 on September 17, 2026. Stoken held an MBA from the University of Chicago and was a founding partner of Lind-Waldock, a commodities brokerage firm. He was active on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Chicago Board of Trade and authored several books addressing markets, investing, and economic cycles. Known for his humor and deep care for family and friends, he is survived by his wife Sandra, three children, seven grandchildren, and sister. A memorial service is scheduled for September 24 at North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe.
David F. Tanaka, a retired legal counsel and devoted family man, died on September 16, 2026, in Lake Forest, Illinois, at age 75. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Tanaka earned degrees from the University of Michigan and DePaul University College of Law. His career included work with the Social Security Administration, Kirkland & Ellis law firm, and Gaylord Container Corporation, where he retired as General Counsel. An avid athlete and world traveler, Tanaka is survived by his wife Deirdre, two daughters, grandchildren, and siblings. A remembrance will be held on September 26 at Wenban Funeral Home in Lake Forest.
Other area residents who recently passed include Katheryn J. Reagan Pannier of Brentwood, Tennessee, age 88; Harold H. Lundberg Jr., 96, of Wilmette, Illinois; Bunny Mullins, 95, of River Forest, Illinois; George G. Ruenne, 75, of Clearwater, Florida; Daniel J. Santucci of Western Springs, Illinois; Rosemarie Ann Sandstrom of Chicago, Illinois, and Norman L. Vitellaro, 88, of Itasca, Illinois. Services and memorials for each individual reflected their diverse contributions to family, community, and professional spheres.
These passings mark the loss of leaders in medicine, finance, and local communities, as well as devoted family members and active contributors to civic and charitable causes. Each obituary noted survivors and provided information on upcoming memorials or requested charitable donations in lieu of flowers.