Susan Leninger

Susan “Sue” E. Leninger, 74, of West Chicago, passed away at her home on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Born to Ethel and Jack Bourgart in Elmhurst on June 21, 1951, Sue grew-up in the house her father built in Villa Park, just off the Chicago & North Western train line. Sue graduated from Willowbrook High School in 1969; earned a Bachelor of Arts from Northern Illinois University in 1973, and a Master of Science from Northern Illinois University in 2000.

Sue spent 2 decades working in the world of parks and recreation, where she was a passionate leader in the administration & finance manager group. She served as Superintendent of Finance & Personnel for Geneva Park District, and Superintendent of Business Services for Bartlett Park District, from which she retired in 2016. Even in retirement, her legacy lived-on at Bartlett Park District when her son took the reins as Superintendent of Business Services in 2020.

Sue’s most sincere passion was helping animals. She volunteered for over 20 years at Illinois Doberman Rescue, opening her home to dozens of dogs, cats, and other animals over the years, and successfully fostering & adopting dozens more.

Sue was an athlete and enjoyed playing, coaching, and watching sports. She played and coached tennis, and was an established cyclist. Sue earned a black-belt in Kyuki-Do martial arts and cheered-on her son racing up the stairwells in tall buildings. Sue enjoyed reading, collecting rare coins, and admiring automobiles as other hobbies.

Sue was married to Edward Leninger for 34-years, and became a widow with his passing in 2017. Sue is survived by her Son, Eric Leninger, of West Chicago, and her Sister, Linda (Larry) O’Neal of Atlanta. Sue’s love and sincerity was recognized by all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

Public Visitation will be from 4:00PM to 7:00PM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, 950 S Bartlett Rd, Bartlett, IL. Private burial at Chapel Hill Gardens West.