Donald E. Wiberg

Donald Edward Wiberg, age 90, passed away peacefully on July 15th, 2026. A lifelong educator and passionate learner, Donald left an indelible mark on the lives of his students, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on May 7th, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Donald grew up with a deep appreciation for education and the arts. He graduated from Harper High School and continued his studies at Chicago Teachers College.

Don dedicated 35 years of his life to teaching and shaping young minds with patience and creativity. He was a woodshop and drafting teacher at Kennedy High School in Chicago. He was one of the first Chicago teachers to instruct in Computer Aided Design in his classroom. Over the years he kept in close contact with many of his students.

Don worked at Riley's Trick Shop in the south Chicago suburbs. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, serving as secretary and International President in 1984. He was also a member of the Society of American Magicians along with other local magic clubs including the Magic Masters. He, and his wife, Joyce appeared several times on the WGN-TVs television show, Bozo’s Circus. He also was part of a group of magicians who performed at the inauguration of George W. Bush.

His love of architecture and curiosity about design and history drew him to architecture tours. After retiring from teaching, he became a volunteer docent for the Chicago Architecture Foundation, conducting numerous walking, boat, bus, bike and Segway tours, serving as the tour director of several. Upon his retirement as a docent, he was awarded the prestigious title of Docent Emeritus.

He also loved to travel, exploring new places with enthusiasm. Among the places Joyce and Don traveled to were the Scandinavian capitals, China, Russia, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Hawaii. Joyce and Don enjoyed cruising and visiting many exotic ports during their lifetime. They also traveled extensively in their motor home throughout the United States.

Don was a devoted father of two children, Kristen Wiberg, and Craig Wiberg, and his wife Mary Beth, grandfather to two wonderful grandchildren, Andrew Wiberg, Maghan Fleming and her husband Kyle Fleming, and great-grandfather to Luna Josephine Fleming. His family was a source of immense pride and joy throughout his life.

Those who knew Donald remember him as loving, caring, and talented—a man whose warmth touched everyone he met. His legacy lives on not only through his family but also through the generations of students he inspired. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423 on Saturday, July 25th, 2026 from 9:00 AM until time of the funeral service at 12:00 PM noon.  Interment wil be private at a later date at Lakeside Cemetery, Colon MI.