Obituaries
Lindley Charles Stacey Jr.
October 29, 1953 - April 29, 2025
- Celebration of Life
-
June 11, 2025 | 4:00-8:00 P.M.
Remembrance at 6:00 P.M. -
Riverside Banquets
35 River Lane
Geneva, IL 60134
Lindley Charles Stacey Jr., the son of Lindley and DeOnn (Atherton) Stacey was born on October 29, 1953 in Charles City, Iowa and passed on April 29, 2025 in St. Charles at the age of 71. Lin grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL and attended Glenbard West High School where he was involved in cross country, wrestling, choir, theatre, photography and angler’s club. Lin returned to his beloved Iowa and attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon where he was also a member of the cross country and wrestling teams. He sang in both the operetta and Highlanders singing group and was a yearbook photographer. The men of the Beta Omicron fraternity became his dearest friends with whom he caused “good” trouble. According to Lin, no one ever got hurt! After graduating with a degree in biology in 1975, he completed his Master’s Degree in Biology at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in 1977.
Lin began his teaching career in Tonica, IL where he taught for two years before moving to Glen Ellyn High School District #87 for a year. In 1980, Lin began teaching 7th grade science (biology) at Thompson Middle School in St. Charles. He continued this work at Wredling Middle School until his retirement in 2011. Lin truly impacted the lives of more than 4,500 students. It was at Thompson Middle School that Lin met Pat. They were married on June 14, 1985 and lived in St. Charles where they raised their family.
Lin had a passion for teaching, which he shared with students and family alike. Family vacations always had educational stops, featuring both museums and hands-on activities. Road trips were always filled with trivia games or quizzes on the music playing on the classic rock station. On nature walks, he could name every species of plant and animal, and he’d collect any litter he found along the way to leave the path better than he found it. No matter the trip, if there was a battleship or aircraft carrier in the area, Lin and family were sure to visit. He could rattle off the hull numbers and knew in which class each of these ships belonged. Someone enjoyed this activity more than others!
Outside his teaching career, Lin was a man of many interests and hobbies, including his work as a DJ, a woodworker, photographer, taxidermist, wrestling coach, and an animal lover. He raised and rescued many pets, including his favorite, Chi Chi, a crow he found in the backyard of his childhood home. As an adult, he could most often be found in his workshop, with the Chicago Cubs on the radio, as he refurbished tools from classic V8 Ford automobiles or created beautiful woodworking projects. Lin was the National Tool Advisor for the Early V8 Ford club for 28 years and an active member of its Northern Illinois Regional Group. In 1987, he bought and began work on a 1942 Ford Sedan Coupe. After Lin’s extensive research and restoration work, the ‘42 earned the prestigious Dearborn Award in 1992. As a boater, fisherman and a water skier, Lin enjoyed his time on any body of water.
Lin will be remembered for his quick wit, his playful spirit, his love of the Cubs and any team who beat Notre Dame, his nightly bowl of ice cream, and his generous heart. He was famous for his lighthearted pranks, usually including sticking his finger in someone’s ear, preemptively sampling a birthday cake, and making it difficult for his colleagues to pay attention during a faculty meeting. He loved to laugh and make others laugh with him. He had a story for every occasion, though not all of them were appropriate for all audiences. Lin was a beloved mentor, neighbor, friend, son, brother, father, and husband. His relationships were paramount to who he was, and he will forever live in the hearts of those who had the pleasure to know him.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, his children: Lin III (Pam), Tyler (Anna), siblings Kathie (Paul), Gordon (Liz), Marybeth (Dan), Tom (Janis), Pat’s eight siblings and spouses, and several cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Jim Riner.
A celebration of Lin’s life will take place on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 4:00PM – 8:00PM at Riverside Banquets, 35 River Lane, Geneva, IL, with a time of remembrance at 6:00PM. The bar will be open and hors d’ oeuvres, ice cream and cookies will be served. The family is asking that you take a moment to jot down a favorite story of Lin that they can add to a memory box.
The family requests donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation, parkinson.org (http://parkinson.org) or The Lewy Body Dementia Foundation (http://www.lbda.org)
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Joe Hedlund from Raytown , MO
"Mr. Stacey was my Wrestling Coach at Thompson Jr. High in the early 80s.He was a excellent mentor and the world needs more people like him."
Eileen Bribiesca from Elgin, IL
"Lin was definitely the life of the backyard BBQ’s at Jim and Joys. His wit and personality will be missed. He was one of a kind. Prayers and hugs to you and your family 🙏"
Cannizzaro Family from St, Charles, IL
"Pat and Family, Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Lin. He was a great neighbor and he will be missed. Peace be with you all."
Geri Yaccino from Elburn, IL
"I loved him like a silly brother. Lin lit up a room like no other. He was one of my favorite colleagues at Thompson. Hugs to Pat and the boys."
Mike from Leighly, IL
"Mr. Stacey was my Biology teacher at Thompson Middle school in 1982-1983. I remember as a great teacher and a very nice man."
Chris (Heinkel) Senne from Bolingbrook , IL
"Mr Stacey was my 7th grade teacher at Thompson. He was an amazing teacher who sparked my love for science."
Joanna Martin from Saint Charles , IL
"I had the privilege to share the same lunchtime with Lin at Thompson and share a hallway at Wredling. How blessed I was to know this truly gifted man whose knowledge knew no bounds as his pointed humor hit its mark in any topic discussed. He elevated the spirits of all he met and made everyone feel valued. May God bless the family that nurtured him, Pat and their children, and all that knew him. Joanna Martin"
Peggy Durbala from Poplar Grove, IL
"I met Lin in 1996 when I began teaching at Wredling Middle School. He was beloved by all, both students and faculty. Such a fun personality, larger than life! I also had the pleasure of seeing him at social events over the past 14 years.His love of Pat was always so apparent; they made a wonderful couple! My heartfelt condolences to Lin's family and dear friends."
Jill Gulbrandsen Godschall from Poulsbo, WA
"I’m so sorry to learn about Lin’s passing. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.I still remember growing up next door to “Ninny,” as I called him when I was really little, and all the fun the neighborhood kids had growing up in Glen Ellyn."
Lighthouse Hospice Care from Downers Grove, IL
"In this sorrowful time, we would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences. We are honored that we could provide care and companionship to Lin and your family during his final journey. May our Lord comfort you and your loved ones.Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Love your family at Lighthouse Hospice Care."
Eric Hensel from Saint Charles, IL
"Lin was both a great inspiration to students and teachers alike. No matter who you were, your face automatically smiled when Lin walked into the room. There really wasn't anyone like him, and he will be missed immensely."
Kris Ross from Bowie, MD
"Lin was such an amazing teacher. He could connect with each and every child. How he brightened everyone's day. When we were transitioning to computers he often helped me which was a challenge. He truly was a Renaissance man. My deep condolences to Pat and his children and all the extended family. I'll be praying for God's comfort for you all."
Jessica Catlin from Chicago, IL
"I don’t remember many of my teachers, but Mr. Stacey is forever etched in my memory for hosting/teaching one of my favorite classes. It’s a beautiful thing to have lived a life that clearly impacted so many. May his memory be a blessing 💚"
Chloe Gitlin from Deerfield, IL
"Sending my deepest condolences to the Stacey Family. Lin never failed to put a smile on my face. His kind soul and endless humor lit up any room he walked into. May his memory be a blessing forever."
Karen Porter from St Charles, IL
"Pat...I'm so very sorry to hear about Lin. Sending you a big hug and prayers for your family."
Elisabeth Ogrin (Weddendorf) from Laurel, MD
"Mr. Stacey was my amazing science teacher at Thompson Junior High. He was always available for students dropping in and doing random science projects like testing how many decibels our screams registered at. He has contributed to my lifelong love of science, which my daughters now share. He was a blessing to us all and truly one of the best teachers I've ever had."
Patrick White from DeKalb, IL
"I never had Mr. Stacy for a Teacher when i was at Thompson, but always saw him in the hallways with a smile and laughter. Mrs. Stacy, keeping you and your family in prayer."
John Beisner from Ames, IA
"The Stacey family has been a positive light in our life and history for nearly 60 years. I was fortunate to be Lin’s wrestling coach during his junior and senior years. In that capacity, as you would gather from other testimonies, Lin was not only a skilled wrestler but a valued teammate. His senior year was capped by great leadership, outstanding athletes, solid students, a strong work ethic and Lin was instrumental in that success. The 132 # weight class was handled successfully three years later by Lin’s brother Gordon. If you look in a dictionary under multi-talented, you will probably find Lin’s picture. The Stacey family is exactly why Glenbard West was and is a remarkable school. The Beisner family."