Kenneth Charles Thelander

Kenneth Thelander, age 84, passed away peacefully with the love of his family surrounding him.    He was born in Elgin, Illinois, to Harold & Lucinda Thelander.  He graduated as the Scholastic Athlete of his 1954 Dundee High School Class.   He attended Valparaiso University on both scholastic and baseball scholarships, receiving a BS degree from that institution.  His Master of Education degree was earned at Northern Illinois University.   He started his career at Fox River Grove School District, coaching and teaching before becoming the Principal of Orchard Street School.     He later became Principal of West School in Crystal Lake.  He married Jeanine (Lowe) Thelander on August 22nd and they recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.  Ken loved sports, so of course coached his three sons in the Cary Youth and Cary All Star Baseball programs for 15 years.  He was a committed Cubs fan, and no one was happier than Ken when they won the World Series.   Most importantly, he was a man of God.  Ken is survived by his wife, his sons, Kenneth (Noel), Michael (Michelle), Matthew (Lori) and grandchildren Taylor, Dustin, Cassidy, Trevor, Bryce, Joshua, Lauren and Braden.  He was preceded in death by his parents and infant grandson, Cody.   A visitation will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Cary, from 10:00 a.m. - noon on Thursday, October 21, with a funeral service to follow.    Interment will be at Windridge Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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