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These pages show biographical information about notable people from Downers Grove’s past.
Minnie Harriet Jones Prince was far more than the wife of prominent real estate developer Earl Prince. In her own right, she was a civic leader, organizer, educator, and advocate […]
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Alexander Bradley Burns was born in Downers Grove on October 2, 1898, in Illinois to J.M. and Mary Burns. He had just graduated from high school when the war broke
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A Mother to All Mary Stewart Burns was born in 1851 in New Hampshire and devoted her life to education, civic leadership, and the well-being of children. When she died
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Community Leader Descended from One of the First Families to Settle Downers Grove Born in Downers Grove in 1898, Lucile Bush was a lifelong resident whose century of life reflected
John Miles Venard (1886–1969) was a fixture in the village in the early 1900s. Beginning his postal career at age 19 in 1906, he delivered mail for 51 years, retiring
Michael “Mike” Venard (1880 – 1942) was born in 1880 to James and Katherine Redmond Venard in Downers Grove, Illinois. Mike became one of Downers Grove’s most recognized law enforcement
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Frederick “Fred” Faulkner Lester served as a United States Navy hospital corpsman in World War II. He was killed in action on June 8, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa.
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Awarded the 2025 Montrew Dunham Award, Lisa has shared her many talents and leadership skills to support those less fortunate. Her story is one of ‘Stepping Up and Giving Back.’
In 2024, Mary Ellen received the Montrew Dunham award from the Downers Grove Historical Society, an award which honors those whose significant service and contributions to the Village of Downers
Donald J. Drew was a lifelong resident of Downers Grove whose life was defined by music, community, and family. Born in 1904, he was the beloved son of Thomas W.
