In Memoriam - Alex Devience

Alex Devience, Jr., 81 of Park Ridge, was born November 18, 1938 in Chicago to the late Alexander and Charlotte (nee Patelski) Devience and passed away June 13, 2020. Alex was the beloved husband of Arlene D. (nee Nelson) for 59 years; loving father of the late Pepper; guardian of Mark Hageli; fond uncle to Linda, Terri, Diane, Patti, Jane, Charlie, Joseph, Alex, Rachel, Steven, and Karen. Alex served in the United States Navy at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. After the Navy, he earned his J.D. degree from Loyola University, Chicago School of Law. Alex not only loved the law but teaching as well which led him to begin teaching business law at DePaul University in 1974. He continued teaching up until four weeks ago. In 1976, a few years after he began teaching, he opened Alex Devience, LTD located in downtown Chicago, IL. His practice would go on to litigate a wide variety of cases including, Alex arguing in front of the United States Supreme Court. To say he has influenced a great number of people is an understatement. Alex loved his family, from his marriage of 59 years to Arlene to his involvement with numerous nephews and nieces, his laugh and playful teasing will be missed. He led by example for all to see. Interment will be at Town Of Maine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Alex's name.

Source: Online: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/des-plaines-il/alex-devience-9219447

Book Club June 3

We enjoyed our Zoom discussion of The Library Book, which we had to postpone from our scheduled April meeting. Susan Orlean begins with the fire that devastated the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986 and her curiosity about that event, the accused arsonist, and the role of the library and librarians. She uses the event and her skillful writing to weave a multilayered saga. Her story includes the history and development of that library and the role of the librarians who built the collections and the place of the library in the civic life of Los Angeles. She includes her memories of libraries, analysis of the work librarians do, a true crime tale, and anecdotes of books and their users. The session helped restore our sense of connection to our fellow DePaul retirees through this time of social isolation. 

Our next book will be The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich.  We will meet Wednesday, August 5, through a zoom link to be emailed to all, at our usual time, 11 am.  For further information contact Kathryn DeGraff or Helen Marlborough,

We continue to review the titles on our list for consideration for upcoming discussions. Please let Kathryn, Helen, or anyone else in the group, know if you have a favorite book you would like to share with your DES colleagues. As you can tell from the posts, we are interested in a wide range of fiction and non fiction. We enjoy our sessions thoroughly and always have room for more people and more insights.

In Memoriam - Jack Reisman

Dr. John M. Reisman, Emeritus Professor of Psychology at DePaul, died May 19, three days before his 90th birthday. He received his B.S. at Rutgers and his doctorate at Michigan State. During the Korean War, he served as an officer on the USS Wisconsin. He was predeceased by Margo, his beloved wife of 62 years, and will be sorely missed by his loving children, Hope (Jeffrey) Sheffield, David (Caroline), Carl (Robin), and Andrew (Polina), and by his 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Dr. Reisman published eight psychology books, numerous articles, and two mystery novels. He loved old movies, traveling, good food, and a well-organized routine. His family will miss his wit, prodigious memory, intelligence, and devotion.

Published in Chicago Tribune on May 22, 2020.