Willard Pingel, World War II Veteran and Long-Time Resident, Passes Away at 102
Willard A. Pingel, a long-time resident of Mt. Prospect, Illinois, passed away at the age of 102 on January 31, 2026. Born in Chicago in 1923, Pingel served in the U.S. Army during World War II, earning the Philippine Liberation Medal. He married Audrey Dorais in 1947 and had two daughters. Pingel worked as a photofinisher for over 40 years and enjoyed gardening, bowling, and supporting the Chicago Cubs. He is survived by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A visitation and funeral service will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Mt. Prospect, with interment at Memory Gardens in Arlington Heights.