Barbara Bannerman Zehnder

Barbara Bannerman Zehnder, age 86 of Oak Brook, formerly of LaGrange. Beloved wife of Carl Zehnder; fond mother of Craig (Roxann Bankert) Zehnder and Allyson K. (Michael) Feller; grandmother of Nicholas Feller, Emily Feller and Charles Feller; sister of Douglas (Lu) Bannerman; aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Originally from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Barbara moved to LaGrange with her family in 1973. She graduated from Cleveland State University and went on to earn her Masters in Organizational Behavior and Development from George Williams College.

Barbara was a longtime member of the League of Women Voters. In the 1980's and 1990's she served as the Executive Director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. During that time she lobbied for gun control legislation that passed in Illinois and was instrumental in passing the Brady Bill mandating background checks for firearm purchases.

Barbara was a fierce advocate for Chicago's youth, observing juvenile court hearings to ensure the fair and legal treatment of minors.

In 1997 she became director of LaGrange Area Transitional Housing, an organization providing affordable housing and support for families with a history of housing instability.

Visitation Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513.

Interment Private

Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

For those of you that would like to express your condolences to the family please click on the guestbook and you can leave the family a message. If you wish to send a Sympathy Card to the Family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd. 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o the Barbara Zehnder Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.