Theodore J. Wattenberg
Of Prospect Heights

Theodore J. Wattenberg was born on October 31, 1908 in Berlin, Germany. He passed away on Saturday, February 9, 2013 in Riverwoods.

Ted lived the American Dream. After World War I, at the age of 16, he immigrated to Chicago. He lived with his uncle Albert and Aunt Julia Schwalge. Ted worked as a busboy and met his sweetheart, Marianna Massi, at the PM Club in Chicago. They were married 71 years and lived in Prospect Heights.

Soon after arriving in the U.S. Ted decided to stay because he loved his new country and home. He earned his law degree from DePaul University in 1937 and was proud to have passed the bar exam on the first try. Ted said, "When I was earning my law degree things were much more difficult in this country than they are now. A major depression was occurring. But as difficult as things were at that time, they were better than in Europe. It was still possible to succeed. The keys were hard work and dedication."

Ted served 16 years as a Village of Mount Prospect Trustee (1984-1990) as well as a four year member of the Mount Prospect School Board. He has been credited with doing more than 20,000 hours of public service during his combined 20 years with the Village of Mount Prospect. Ted said, "I never thought about the amount of time I devoted to either activity. Both were as volunteers. I was happy to help the community and give something back."

Former trustees have said that Ted always voted his conscience. He never worried about the way other people voted or was swayed by passing opinion. Ted said, "Yes, indeed, I have always been a lone voice. I am very comfortable in that position. I do not feel society is best served by elected officials rubber stamping legislation." Ted said, "I do not take credit for the accomplishments the board made during my 16 years in office. It was a team effort."

Ted thought of himself as semi-retired. In the past years, he did real estate closings, served as president of D.A.N.K., served as an election judge, consultant to political candidates, and wrote numerous letters to the editor to the Daily Herald and Chicago Tribune.

Ted and Marianna spent winter months in Florida after enjoying many trips in the United States and Europe. They loved their two daughters, Patricia and Margaret; sons-in-law, Bill and Irwin; seven grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Ted said, "I have fulfilled the American Dream with the loving help of my wife, Marianna, family and friends. I am proud of my re-elections as well as my legal work and role model to others. When others judge you well, you know you are a success."

Theodore is survived by his daughters, Patricia (William) Plautz and Margaret (Irwin) Shechtman; his grandchildren, Brian (Kristen) Plautz, Bradley (Julie) Shechtman, Matthew (Maureen) Shechtman, Karen (Glenn) Buric, Leon (Diana) Shechtman, Ted (Robin) Shechtman and Sherman (Erin) Shechtman; and his15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marianna Wattenberg (nee Massi).

Visitation from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm, Monday, February 11, 2013 at Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd., 1520 North Arlington Heighjts Road, (4 blocks south of Plaltine Road), Arlington Heights where funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 12, 2013. Interment at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the American Heart Association, Memorials & Tributes 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674 or consider volunteering in Ted’s memory.

 

 

Glueckert Funeral Home

(847) 253-0168

1520 North Arlington Heights Road

Arlington Heights, IL 60004