Ignoramus, since you live in Illinois, why not plant the native American
Persimmon tree in your front yard. It will be totally hardy, relatively pest
free, will give you delicious fruit every fall - heavier every other fall -
and has pretty fall foliage. Other than that, I favor the berry solution -
(blueberries, maybe raspberries). and possibly a grape arbor, for concord
grapes in your region. Dward fruit trees that are hardy in your region would
also be fine. Probably apples would do well, and maybe cherries. Rhubarb
would be good in your climate. Also asparagaus is relatively picturesque,
and a perennial. Mix a few annual food crops in with these, and you will
have a yard that no one will object to.