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Cpl. Roderick "Rory" Joseph White, of Lombard, Illinois, passed away on July 16, 2026, in Glendale Heights, Illinois, after a brief illness. Born in River Forest, Illinois, on October 9, 1981, Rory graduated from Marine Corps boot camp at MCRD San Diego on August 2, 2002, and proudly served as an infantry Marine in the USMC Reserves with Fox Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 2004, the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, including Fox Company, was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Rory and his fellow Marines, operating from Forward Operating Base St. Michael, worked to root out insurgents and stabilize the region commonly known as the "Triangle of Death." After his service, he was a proud member of the IUEC Elevator Constructors Local 2 Chicago, where he loved being part of the Otis high-rise team and seeing his beloved city of Chicago from the highest heights.

"Known to his family and friends as Rory, he was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, especially with his sons, and spent many happy summers at his grandparents' lake cabin in Michigan. He was the proudest and loudest person on the sidelines cheering on his two boys, Finn and Declan, while they played sports. Rory is survived by his loving wife Heather, his sons, his parents Joseph and Susan, and his siblings Gregory and Isabel, Margaret, Michael, James, Mary, and Rose. He will be remembered for his gentle heart, big smile, and epic hugs. As his obituary noted: "In sorrow we must go, but not in despair." — Aragorn, The Lord of the Rings."

Sgt. Jacob "Jake" Anthony Haugh, 42, of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away June 11, 2026. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves with Fox Company 2/24, the "Mad Ghosts," serving honorably in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom — a commitment that reflected his honor, courage, and commitment. Beyond his military service, Jake had a strong commitment to a professional career in public safety. His passion for service — both in uniform and in his career — defined who he was. His loyalty, strength, and compassion left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

"Jake is survived by his wife, Danielle (Sikora) Haugh, and his two daughters, Ava and Aria Haugh; his mother, Constance (Linder) Haugh; and a family held close in love: Margarita (Bucio) Sikora, Andrew Sikora, and Nicholas Sikora, along with his niece and nephew. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Haugh; his father-in-law, Michael Sikora; his sister-in-law, Shanan Sikora; and his grandparents. A Celebration of Life was held on July 26, 2026, at American Legion Post in Germantown, Wisconsin, with Military Honors. A devoted husband, loving father, and cherished son whose life was cut too short."

Sgt. Matthew Tyler Young, 44, of Neenah, Wisconsin, served in the United States Marine Corps both on active duty from 1999-2003 with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and as a Reservist with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, out of Milwaukee. During his time in uniform, he completed five overseas deployments to 15 countries, including Iraq and Kuwait, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and attained the rank of Sergeant. A 2009 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a degree in Social Work, he spent several years as a social worker at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison and the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, helping countless veterans work through difficult transitions. He championed America's veterans and Afghan allies through his work with Moral Compass Federation, Task Force Argo, and Heart of an Ace Inc. — the non-profit he led as Executive Director, helping raise over $1.2 million and feed hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees. His most recent work was as a Program Manager and subject matter expert on Reinaert's program supporting sensor constellations in Eastern Europe that monitor nuclear and radiological events for the US Government.

"Nicknamed "Yeti," Matthew was larger than life and had a heart of gold. Married to the love of his life, Rachael, on June 28, 2013, they raised three boys — Owen, Trystan, and David — and a daughter, Mekenzie, who wrapped her Daddy around her tiny finger. A Cub Scout Leader, Boy Scout Committee Chair, football coach, and VEX Robotics mentor, he stepped in whenever another adult leader was needed. He was paired with his service dog, Trooper, through Custom Canines Service Dog Academy, and Trooper gave him the strength to navigate the everyday things that his anxiety had made difficult. His obituary notes he was preceded by brothers in arms Cpl Brian P. Prening, LCpl Daniel R. Wyatt, LCpl Travis M. Wichlacz, LCpl Richard D. Warner, and PFC Brent T. Vroman. "Rest easy. Semper Fi.""

Col Mark A. Smith, USMCR (Ret), 54, of Indianapolis, passed away March 29, 2019. Born August 18, 1964, he was a graduate of Perry Meridian High School and earned a bachelor's degree in political science from IUPUI. Mark proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 32 years, during which he was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star with Valor, among many others. He continued to serve his community as a Master Trooper for the Indiana State Police for 24 years, retiring in 2014. A devout Catholic and member of St. Mark Catholic Church, he was studying to become an Oblate at St. Meinrad Archabbey and was the founder of the Col Mark A. Smith Cancer Patient Foundation.

"He was a Marine's Marine; a friend to those he served with and a warrior willing to take the fight where it was needed. He had no quit button, no off switch, and was filled with dedication and love of God, family, country, and Corps."

Sgt. Matthew J. Rittner, 35, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was an infantry rifleman with the Marine Corps Reserve's Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines out of Milwaukee. A Greenfield High School graduate, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003 and served for eight years, attaining the rank of sergeant. He deployed twice to the Middle East, including to Fallujah in support of Operation Phantom Fury in the area known as the Triangle of Death. During his first tour, the vehicles in his unit were hit by multiple improvised explosive devices and his unit was involved in a four-hour firefight. After his Marine service, he dedicated 17 years to the Milwaukee Police Department, where he was a tenured member of the Tactical Enforcement Unit. He and other officers helped free hostages in two separate incidents in 2015, for which he received a Meritorious Service Award and the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest award for law enforcement officers in the United States.

"On February 6, 2019, Officer Rittner was shot and killed in the line of duty while executing a search warrant on the 2900 block of South 12th Street in Milwaukee. He was laid to rest on what would have been his 36th birthday. As his hearse passed the Marine Corps Reserve Unit in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood, Marines stood at attention in tribute. He leaves behind his wife and a young son. "You expect to lose Marines in combat, not here," a fellow veteran said of him."

Cpl. Justin W. Owen, 24, of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, entered into Eternal Rest on December 25, 2010. He was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps Reserve with Fox Company in Milwaukee and served one tour of combat duty in Iraq during the 2007-2008 campaign. A 2004 graduate of Shorewood (WI) High School, he attended Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont before enrolling in Marquette's School of Journalism, where he graduated Cum Laude in Journalism in 2010. At the time of his passing, he was attending the master's degree program at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. As a Marine, he was remembered by his SSgt as "one of the best and brightest Marines who has ever served under me. His kindness, intelligence, and giving spirit made the lives of everyone he touched brighter."

"Justin was the beloved son of Thomas and Rebecca Owen of Whitefish Bay, and brother to Nicholas and Thomas John. His funeral was held December 30, 2010, at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee, with a full Military Honors ceremony following at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center. A fellow Marine, Chaplain Michael Knetsch, wrote: "You're an awesome young man and a true Marine. Rest well Brother!" Another veteran offered: "You symbolized all that is good and right about the young people of America. Thank you for your selfless service.""

Lance Cpl. Joshua A. Maginn, 23, of Zion, Illinois, was an infantryman with Fox Company, Third Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines. Born on the first day of summer, June 21, 1984, he was the only child of Keith A. and Rose M. (Haling) Maginn. A 2003 graduate of Kenosha's Tremper High School, he was a member of the Varsity Football Team and also played semi-pro football for the Racine Horsemen as a middle linebacker, defensive end, and tight end. Following high school, Joshua enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a Lance Corporal and infantryman with Fox Co., 3rd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, where he fought in Iraq and assisted with humanitarian efforts in Africa. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Rifle Expert Badge. Following his active service, he enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, where he served until his death. He was also a member of Laborers Local #76 and was employed with Aldridge Electric in Chicago.

"Joshua died on Sunday, July 22, 2007, of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, at only 23 years old. He had a world-class smile and a gift for telling jokes that was hugely engaging. A true outdoorsman, he loved snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing, and shared that love with his dogs, Morgan and Brandi. As one Marine who went through boot camp and SOI with him wrote: "Josh was a great guy... he always brought light to my day, he was a hero and always will be... semper fi josh." His family asks that you take a moment to hug your children, tell them that you love them, and never take one thing for granted."