Family, football legends gather for Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey funeral at Saint Emily Catholic Church in Mount Prospect
Share and Follow

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. (WLS) — Wednesday was the funeral for Bears principal owner Virginia Halas McCaskey.

Family, friends and football legends gathered for her funeral at Saint Emily Catholic Church in Mount Prospect.

A number of former players and coaches came out to pay their final respects, including Lovie Smith and Brian Urlacher.

Loved ones, fans and NFL colleagues paid tribute to the team’s matriarch at a visitation Tuesday in Des Plaines.

Among the attendees were former Bears players and a number of NFL team owners.

Commissioner Roger Goodell was also expected to be in attendance.

McCaskey died last week at the age of 102.

McCaskey served as the Bears owner since Oct. 31, 1983, on the death of her father, Bears founder George Halas.

Like her father, a co-founder of the NFL, McCaskey kept the team in family hands. She gave operational control and the title of president to her eldest son, Michael McCaskey, who served as chairman until being succeeded by brother George McCaskey in 2011.

During her stewardship, the Bears won a Super Bowl in 1986 and lost a second 21 years later.

McCaskey, the older of Halas’ two children, never expected to find herself in charge. Her brother, George “Mugs” Halas Jr., was being groomed to take over the team, but died suddenly of a heart attack in 1979.

The Associated Press and ESPN contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Police in Illinois hoping for break in 1998 missing cold case

Illinois Police Seek New Leads in Chilling 1998 Cold Case: Will This Be the Breakthrough Year?

PALATINE, Ill. (WGN) Illinois authorities are turning to the public for assistance…
Stream It Or Skip It?

Must-Watch or Pass? Your Ultimate Streaming Guide

As the credits finished rolling on Black Phone 2 (now available for…
National airspace system status: Chicago's O'Hare, Midway among airports to have flight capacity reduced by FAA due to shutdown

FAA Capacity Reduction Sparks Flight Cancellations at Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway Airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated flight reductions at numerous airports,…
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie share an emotional hug

Heartfelt Moment: Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie Embrace in Touching Reunion

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were recently seen sharing a heartfelt embrace,…
Rep. Lauren Boebert responds to photos of sombrero, ICE sign Halloween costume

Lauren Boebert Breaks Silence on Controversial Halloween Costume: The Truth Behind the Photos

DENVER (KDVR) U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert has recently found herself at the…
Chinese astronauts stranded in space after debris strikes return capsule during mission

Chinese Astronauts Encounter Unexpected Delay in Return Due to Debris Impact on Capsule

A Chinese crew remains at the Tiangong space station due to unexpected…
FAA’s order to cut flights nationwide due to the government shutdown is set to take effect

FAA Mandates Nationwide Flight Reductions Amid Government Shutdown Impact

Amid the record-breaking government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made…
Suspected cult creeps plead not guilty after moms found in buried freezer

Chilling Case Unfolds: Alleged Cult Members Deny Guilt in Shocking Freezer Discovery of Missing Mothers

Two men facing charges in the deaths of two Kansas mothers, whose…