Joan Ruth Itzenthaler, 66, of Elk Grove Village, a retired store clerk, died of complications from a spinal infection Monday, June 17, in Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights. Born in Chicago, Mrs. Itzenthaler graduated from Waller High School in 1953 and married a year later. A homemaker, Mrs. Itzenthaler went to work in the 1970s as a waitress at Jerry’s Restaurant on Chicago’s Northwest Side. In the 1980s she began working part time as a sales clerk at a card and gift shop. “She did so much for everyone,” said her daughter Elayne, who added that her mother cross-stitched baby blankets for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Itzenthaler is also survived by two sons, Charles C. III and Dan; another daughter, Cheri Melone; a brother, Dan Jacobson; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Grove Memorial Chapel, 1199 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Elk Grove Village. Services will begin at 10 a.m. Friday in the funeral home.
