Clifford Allen “Al” Elsbree Jr., 84 of Galena, IL passed away Friday, February 21, 2025, at Midwest Medical Center, Galena. There will be a Celebration of Life, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11 AM at Casper Creek Natural Cemetery in Galena. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family. He was born July 13, 1940, in Waverly, NY, the son of Rev. Clifford A. and Emma (Northrup) Elsbree Sr. Al attended Bradley in Peoria and graduated with a BA in Art Education from Illinois State University, Bloomington, IL. He was united in marriage to Cathie P. Beach, on October 5, 1990, in Aurora, IL. Al had a huge heart! He was a lover. He loved so many things: puns, black shadow patterns on white snow-covered hills; the composition and color of smashed beer cans on a highway; the tall grasses in the lawn, the waterfall in his pond, his studio at Galena Center for the Arts, music, singing in the Grace Church choir; talking to people, cats, bicycle riding, Rachel Maddow, He loved all sports, but his heart was with the Iowa Hawkeyes; justice, equality for all; peace, teaching art to middle school students for 36 years in school district 129 in Aurora. He did it so well that he was named Kane County Middle School educator in 1989, but he mostly loved his family. Al is survived by his wife, Cathie, his children, a son, Phil (Heidi) of Rockton, daughter-in-law, Denise of Aurora, stepdaughter, Paige Saba, of Galena, granddaughters, Brittany, of Somonauk, IL, Megan of Oxford, OH, Savannah, of San Diego, CA, Lillie (Josh), Germany, Mina, Tucson, AZ, and Yasmeen, of Norfolk, VA, grandsons, Branndon (Elizabeth) of Oswego, IL, Colin, of Bourbonnais, IL, Dylan (Maggie), of Chicago, great-grandchildren, Amelia and Nathan, Zoe, Kash, Eli, and Gabriel, his three special nieces, Anne Rene and Kim Elsbree, of CA, Susan Bennett, of IA, his sister, Katie Granger and her family in NY, a brother, Paul (Madlyn) and their family in OH, and a sister-in-law, Connie Bennett and family in IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Greg, a brother, Phil, a sister-in-law, Katie, and a brother-in-law, Chuck Bennett. Memorials may be given to The Galena Center for the Arts, Grace Outreach Committee, and Purrfection Cat Rescue in memory of Al. Thank you from the family to the wonderful team of care persons at Midwest Medical Center. Al was cared for by everyone there with tenderness and humor, from the nurses to the custodians. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com
Clifford “Al” Elsbree
I have fond memories of Mr. Elsbree from Art Class at Ben Franklin Jr High in Aurora, IL. He was our art teacher from 1967-1970 (7th – 9th grade). I’m sorry to hear of his passing.
I am so sorry to read of Mr. Elsbree’s passing. He was not only my teacher at Franklin Junior High in Aurora but also my friend. He was truly a wonderful person. Listened to a lot of Dylan music in his classroom. I still thought of him often and all the things he taught me not only in art but life. May you rest in peace.
I remember Mr. Elsbree from attending Franklin Jr. High in the late 70’s. I always enjoyed the time in his art class. I still have my weaved belt I made in his class to this day. Wonderful memories of a great teacher. May he rest in peace.
I was Blessed to work with Al at Washington M.S. I was a dean or later an assistant principal when I worked with him. But we shared a common love of art. I was a former Art teacher before going into Administration. I would often visit with him after school. We would exchange ideas for his kids in class and he’d show me what they were working on at the time. I enjoyed our talks about how we never had enough money to do projects and how we would save items we found to make art. He often complained about his tables to our Principal but never received new ones but I gave him an idea from my experience to sand them down at the end of each year. So I was working during the summer and who do I see but AL in his room sanding down those tables. We used to laugh at how it was another money-saving idea. I wish to send many prayers to the family. Just know he was the nicest, most calm man I have ever known. I had already missed him when he retired but knowing he’s no longer there makes it difficult for me. I will always miss him. Many Hugs Beth Kish
I am saddened to hear this.
I have often thought of Mr. Elsbree. He was my art teacher at Franklin Middle School in Aurora, IL. He gave excellent instruction when assisting with a project, always encouraging. I still have a pottery piece I made. He was the best and I won’t forget him. Condolences to his family. May his celebration of life be filled with many good memories!
Al was art teacher at Washington when I was a librarian there. He inspired his kids to do such awesome projects. The activity room went from being a sterile box to a room filled with giant murals of different color student’s profiles. He often said he didn’t have enough supplies but he managed to get the most from the least. He was just a mellow, laid back person with a passion for art. Cathie, you and the family, have my utmost sympathy on your loss. Mary Hauge
This is sad news, but as just one of the thousands of students he had in his classes over the years, I have to credit him as one of the most influential teachers in my artistic development.
He taught a strong curriculum, but he always included the most important aspects of art—the fun and discovery—the serendipity and playfulness.
Quick with a wry smile and a mischievous nudge to keep exploring, he’ll be missed but will continue to be thought of often.
Al was a great man and always enjoyed being around him. He will be dearly missed. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My husband, Dick Phillips, respected and liked Clif when they worked together at Franklin Jr. High. I have three large framed portraits of our three sons that Clif painted for Dick in the late 70’s. I think of Clif and his talent every time I walk by those paintings. May God be with Cathie and your family in this sad time.