Obituary of Debra A. Durso and Michael C. Altenhoff

Debra A. Durso

Michael C. Altenhoff

Debra A. Durso, age 57, and her son Michael C. Altenhoff, age 17, passed away at their home on Monday, October 22, 2018.

Debra was born on August 31, 1961 in Chicago and lived in Plainfield the past 17 years. She received her Master’s Degree from Illinois State University and was Dean of Students at Plainfield Central High School. The best day of her life was on September 8, 2001, when Michael was born.

Debra is survived by her father, Thomas Durso of Morton Grove; her sisters, Kathleen (Christopher) Kaufmann of Morton Grove, LuAnn (Patrick) Odarczenko of Arlington Heights; her brothers, Thomas (Lynn) Durso of Macomb and Michael (Stacy) Durso of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her mother, Sally (nee Giamarese) Durso in 2000.

Michael is survived by his father, Michael Altenhoff; his maternal grandfather, Thomas Durso of Morton Grove; his paternal grandmother, Cheryl Sterling of Greenback, TN; his aunts and uncles listed above; many cousins; and of course his faithful canine companion, Sheldon the Wonder Dog.

Deb was a devoted mother to Michael. They went on many travel adventures together. They loved to visit baseball parks, made wonderful memories at Disney World and were always on the go to new destinations. They both spent hours outside in their garden and enjoyed all sporting events from high school volleyball to all Chicago professional sports.

Family, friends, and people whose lives Deb and Michael touched are invited to a memorial gathering on Monday, October 29, 2018, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., at the Fred Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Fr. John Regan officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations to The Make-A-Wish Foundation or St. Jude Children's Hospital would be appreciated by the family. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit their Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com