Alice Marilyn Buchholz, a Chicago native remembered for her devotion to church, family and community, died peacefully on Aug. 2, 2024, in Long Grove, Illinois. She was 96.
Born Alice Heinrich in Chicago on Aug. 24, 1927, she was the daughter of William and Frances (nee Sauer) Heinrich. She graduated from Kelvyn Park High School in 1945 and went on to attend North Central College. On May 10, 1947, she married John Buchholz.
Music and faith shaped her from childhood. At age 7 she joined the choir at Humboldt Park Evangelical United Brethren Church in Chicago, and she kept singing in church choirs until she was 70.
Buchholz became a prolific volunteer over the decades. She served as an officer on Presbyterian church boards and women's groups, chaperoned seven youth mission trips, and taught Sunday School in Palatine, Rockford and Barrington. Her community involvement also included the Infant Welfare Society, Meals with Wheels, PADs, Friends of the Barrington Area Library, Girl Scouts, PTO, the Chicago Women's District Golf Association, Barrington Art Associates and the board of Rest Haven Cemetery.
She was also an avid athlete and sports fan. Her family says she especially loved cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events and concerts.
Her husband, John Buchholz, and her brothers John, Norman, Bob and Lee Heinrich died before her. She is survived by her daughters, Jane Griffin and her husband Michael, and Jill Minner and her husband Donald. She also leaves four grandchildren: Jason Griffin, Alison Griffin, Mark Minner and Courtney Johnson. Five great-grandchildren also survive her: Emerson, Audrey-Rose, Rowan and Brennan Griffin, and Henry Johnson.
Her sisters, Marilyn Weiland and Judy Georgias, also survive, along with several cousins, many nieces and nephews, and her friend Lola Mugalian.
A service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 1:30 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church of Barrington, 6 Brinker Rd., followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the church's Music Memorial Fund or to the American Heart Association. Online condolences can be left at davenportfamily.com, and more information is available by calling 847-381-3411.
