Earl Nienhuis

Earl Nienhuis, 91, of Oak Lawn, Illinois, passed away on March 12, 2026. Born on December 1, 1934, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Arthur and Vera Nienhuis, he spent much of his childhood in Freeport, where he enjoyed playing football and basketball. He graduated from Elmhurst College, where he played quarterback for the football team. Earl then served two years in the United States Army, writing programs for a Univac computer, before building a long career in information technology and retiring as an administrator in the IT Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

He was the beloved husband of the late Arlene T. Nienhuis (née Mosel), with whom he shared nearly 40 years of marriage centered on faith, family values, and time spent together. Earl was the loving father of Ellen (Daniel) Hanrahan, Gale, and Mark (Stephanie), the cherished grandfather of Mark (Sydney) Hanrahan, Ryan (Alyssa) Hanrahan, Jared, and Tyler, and the fond brother of the late John (Anita), the late Karl H. (Susan), and the late Robert (Joyce). He was also a dear uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Faith remained central to Earl’s life. He was actively involved at Christ Memorial United Church of Christ in Blue Island, where he served as Treasurer for many years, and he contributed nine years of service on the Governing Council of Bethany Hospital in Chicago. Above all, he cherished his family, finding deep joy in watching his grandchildren grow into adulthood and creating lasting memories with them during time at home and on family vacations. In his leisure, he enjoyed golfing and was a dedicated and enthusiastic Sudoku player. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.