Obituaries

James Jay Neidlinger, 76, went to his heavenly home on April 12th after a three-year battle with ALS. He navigated the challenges of his condition with strength and dignity and passed away while in the arms of his loving wife. His last words were, “I love you.”

Jim was born to parents Martin and Loretta Neidlinger on July 17, 1944 in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He was one of five children. After graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, he worked for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago where he retired as Assistant Chief Engineer after 30 plus years.

In 1968 Jim married Charlene, the love of his life, after meeting in college. He was devoted to loving and providing for his family. He had a brilliant mind and could figure out and fix anything: cars, computers, electrical work, and he even enjoyed operating a ham radio on which he used Morse code to communicate with people in foreign countries. He also had natural skills in carpentry and created many beautiful furniture pieces. As his family grew, Jim built an addition onto their first home, and completely remodeled their second home. Among his many house projects, he built a deck, pergola, playhouse, climbing tower, and did extensive gardening.

Jim enjoyed golfing, skiing, scuba diving, riding motorcycles and taking his travel-loving wife on many adventures across the U.S. and overseas. Among their memories, they saw the Queen in a parade in London, visited Hobbiton in New Zealand, walked the streets where Jesus walked in Israel, and enjoyed many wonderful family vacations with their children.

Jim was very active in the church and over the years served as an elder, a deacon, operated AV for services, and managed a church website. He was involved in Bible Study Fellowship for nearly 20 years, serving as secretary of his local chapter. His faith in the Lord was very important to him and the core of how he lived his life. He served God and his family in countless ways, beautifully demonstrating love and sacrifice.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Charlene (nee Jud); daughter, Susan (Ryan) Guina; son, Daniel (Michele) Neidlinger; daughter, Karen Neidlinger; five granddaughters: Lauren Neidlinger, Allison Neidlinger, Emma Guina, Kaitlyn Neidlinger, and Eliana Guina; his brother, Donald (Jamie) Neidlinger; sisters, Beth Neidlinger, Kathy (Doug) Schroeder; and 13 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Martin and Loretta (Schweppe) Neidlinger and sister, Mary Jaramillo.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 24th at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 101 S. 6^th Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174. Visitation will be 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 24^th  at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to the ALS Association. Donations can be made online at: alsachicago.org/donate

or

ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter

939 W. Randolph Street, Suite 2W

Chicago, IL 60607

For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of St. Charles, 630-584-0060 or visit us at www.yursfuneralhomes.com

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