Trisha Dianne Gruendler

Trisha Dianne Gruendler, age 62, of Lanark, IL, passed away on March 25, 2026, at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, April 18, at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Lanark, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interment will take place at Lanark Cemetery.

Trisha was born on June 3, 1963, in Fort Knox, KY, the daughter of Barry and Rose (O’Connor) Freel. Because her family moved often during her childhood, she grew up with a sense of adaptability and curiosity about the world. The family eventually settled in the Orangeville, IL, area, where Trisha graduated with the Orangeville High School Class of 1981.

On September 15, 1984, Trisha married the love of her life, David E. Gruendler, Jr. Together they built a life filled with adventure. They traveled to every state except Hawaii, exploring the country’s beauty one road trip at a time. National parks were their favorite destinations, with Zion and the Grand Tetons holding a special place in Trisha’s heart. Closer to home, she cherished peaceful days fishing with Dave at Lake Carroll.

Guided by a deep desire to care for others, Trisha pursued a career in healthcare. She first worked as a CNA, then returned to school and earned her nursing degree from Highland Nursing School in 2005. As a Registered Nurse, she served with dedication at Mercy Health, Stephenson County Nursing Center, and most notably, during her long tenure at FHN Hospital.

Trisha’s interests reflected her warm and spirited personality. She enjoyed crocheting and also loved karaoke; often singing with the James Gang, who hosted karaoke nights at various local establishments.

Trisha’s life was shaped by devotion to her family, and to her patients, and the simple joys that made each day meaningful.

She will be dearly missed by her three daughters, Samantha (Ben) Swanson, of Forreston, IL, Jessica (Scott McArthur) Gruendler, of Lanark, and Kathryn (Patrick) Whitehead, of Lanark; four grandchildren, Larissa (Adam Gill) Gruendler, Sgt. Jacob Swanson, Joan Whitehead and Martha Whitehead; mother, Rose O’Connor; brother, Shannon Springer; and sister, Melissa (Steve) Hotchkiss. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dave; father, Barry; and grandparents, Earl and Roxie Freel.