Obituaries

David Thayer, 67, passed on Monday, August 19, at his home in St. Charles. Dave was born in Chicago on April 26, 1957, and grew up in Lombard,

As he attended high school and college, he worked summers at Systems Unlimited, Inc. as a union carpenter and office furniture/equipment installer. He graduated from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a degree in wildlife management. After graduation, he began his career at Systems Unlimited, retiring after 30+ years with the company.

But Dave’s true passion was the great outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed long walks in the many preserves along with his beloved dog, Tucker. Dave’s knowledge of native animals and birds was extensive and on his explorations, he kept a journal of the birds he encountered.

In 1984, Dave married Patty (nee Thompson) on October 6. They moved to St. Charles in 1985 with their daughter, Lauren. Together, they worked on the restoration of their home and created a yard filled with flowers and plants for wildlife and simple outdoor enjoyment.

Dave and his college friends would gather each fall for their annual hunting weekend. He enjoyed the camaraderie with his life-long friends more so than the actual hunt. Patty was thankful that he came home with only stories to share from the weekend.

His two granddaughters, Caroline and Emma were the light in his life. He took them fishing, long walks in the woods, Geo Caching with Caroline, dancing with Emma, even though Dave had minimal rhythm. Other adventures were ball games, watching Caroline’s volleyball tournaments and Emma’s equestrian events.

After retirement, Dave took up learning the art and serenity of tai chi at the Park District. Through the 9 years of honing his skills, he met and made many, wonderful people, with friendships established long after the weekly sessions.

His survivors include Patty, his wife; daughter Lauren and her husband Matt Kuntz of Champaign area; two granddaughters, Caroline and Emma Kuntz; sisters Linda and Rick Fitzbibbon of Newark, Diane and Grant Peterson of Minneapolis along with a niece and two nephews. Dave was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Betty Thayer.

Arrangements provided through Yurs Funeral Homes, St. Charles.

A celebration of life and remembrance will be held in September for close friends and family. Should anyone wish to honor Dave, donations can be made to Anderson Animal Shelter, a local non-profit organization in the Fox River Valley, All donations, amounts and contact information are private and confidential. More information is available at: ahconnects.org or by calling 847-697-2880.

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