Doris "Dori" Warner

Dori Warner (nee: Budke), 79, born in Waseca, Minnesota, on June 24, 1945, to Reverend Ezra and Delta Budke. Dori grew up in Minnesota and later attended Westmar College, where she met the love of her life, Mike Warner. They were married for 55 years. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education from Saint Xavier University.

Dori began her teaching career in 1969 as part of the inaugural teaching class at Disney Magnet School in Chicago. She and Mike moved to Glen Ellyn in 1976, where she spent nearly 30 years teaching first grade at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School. Her classroom was a place of warmth, creativity, and wonder. Each year, her students hatched baby chicks, sang along with Mrs. Warner at her piano, and looked forward to a special end-of-year field trip to her home—where a golden retriever was usually waiting to greet them.

Dori loved nature and the outdoors. She enjoyed reading, hiking, biking, and gardening. She led an active social life and was involved in numerous clubs, church activities, and in her Glen Ellyn community. Her warm smile, gentle encouragement, and generous heart made a lasting impact on the lives of her students, friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

She loved traveling to visit relatives and cherished family vacations to Palm Desert, Northern Wisconsin, and Colorado. Her international adventures with Mike and friends brought her much joy. She especially treasured her time in California with her beloved grandsons, Ben and Nate.

She is survived by her husband Mike Warner, her children Christie (Patrick) Uhe and Jay Warner, grandchildren Nate and Ben Uhe. Daughter of the late Ezra (the late Delta) Budke and the late Shirley Budke (nee: Rosenau). Sister of the late Mel (the late Lani) Budke, the late Gary (the late Ginny) Rosenau, Genie (Floyd) Hackett, the late Ken Rosenau, and Betty (Evan) Warden. Aunt of 22 nieces and nephews.

She was a lifelong educator, devoted wife, beloved mother, loving aunt, proud grandma and cherished friend whose kindness and joyful spirit touched all who knew her. 

Memorial Gathering from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Funeral Service at 3:00 pm on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 1st Presbyterian Church,  550 N Main St, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 with memorial reception beginning at 4:30 pm at the Warner home, all are welcome for appetizers and drinks. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated in Dori's name to the Alzheimer's Association. 

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