Jill E. Kohl

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 22, 1957, she moved to Lombard, Illinois when she was young and spent the rest of her life residing in a community she loved. One of her favorite memories was from the numerous Lilac Parade events she attended with her children.

She was preceded in death by her father, Elmer Thorsen; and mother, Eileen Thorsen. Jill is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Kohl; two sons Joshua Castillo (Martine), and Jonathan Castillo (Nicole); grandchildren Connor, Grayson, Eleanor, and Lucas; a niece Candi DiGrazia (Mike); and great nephew Jayden. She also leaves many friends who will sadly miss her.

She spent 35 years working for Western Suburban Bank (now Old Second). As an avid traveler, Jill loved planning her next vacation spot with her husband and friends. Some of her favorite vacation places included Italy and Alaska, and she was fond of sharing pictures of her travel adventures. Jill always wanted to travel to Norway, where her family hopes to one day visit in her memory.

When she was home, Jill loved working in her impressive garden (often sharing her gardening knowledge with friends who did not possess her green thumb), creating beautiful paintings (hung up in her home and shared with friends and family), making wonderful jewelry (she wore and gifted to friends), cooking delicious meals (her family will always remember her amazing banana sweet potato casserole), and spending time with her friends. Jill adored the fall season, and her impressive pumpkin collection is second to none.

Jill’s family was her whole world and she loved everything from elaborate holiday celebrations to small family dinners, and everything in between. She enjoyed going out to breakfast with her family and Jill often had her grandchildren over for sleepovers; they will always remember movie nights with popcorn (and real melted butter) at Grandma’s house, and spraying Grandma with the hose while playing outside.

A Celebration of Life for Jill will be held Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 where a memorial service will take place at 6:00 PM.