Everett Whildin

Date of Birth

Aug 27,1942

Date of Death

Aug 03,2019

Everett Whildin, age 76, of Sugar Grove, passed away peacefully in his home, Saturday, August 3, 2019, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family.

He was born August 27, 1942, to proud parents, Everett S. and Edna M. (Cook) Whildin.

Everett grew up on the family farm in Sugar Grove and attended local schools. Before graduating from Kaneland High School with the class of 1960, Everett participated in football, track, and basketball. He was also active in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the Industrial Arts Club. It was while playing the saxophone in the Kaneland Dance Band that he met the love of his life, Kathleen “Kathy” Holbert.

Everett and Kathy walked down the aisle hand in hand on June 29, 1963 in Geneva. After a short stay in Sugar Grove, they spent their life together on the Whildin family farm.

Everett was a member of the Elburn Lions Club along with his father. He also was a longstanding trustee and past president of the Sugar Grove Drainage District #1.

Born and raised on land that was homesteaded in 1844, farming was in his blood. From an early age, he played a crucial role in caring for the land and livestock along with his family. With this came a heartfelt appreciation for the power and awe of life and a deep sense of doing meaningful work. Everett shared this love with his wife Kathy and his children. In doing so, he instilled in them a reverence for life, an appreciation of nature, and a love of the land and family tradition.

Forever an outdoor enthusiast, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and being in natural places. Everett was an avid fisherman and enjoyed sharing this experience with his brother-in-law Fred, friend Bill as well as his family. As a member of a local social and sportsman’s club, he introduced his children to the joys of fishing, swimming, and lakeside picnicking at an early age. Over the years, many memorable family vacations were enjoyed on various lakes in northern Wisconsin just as he had with his parents and grandparents as a child.

A creative and skilled craftsman, Everett’s other passion was woodworking. From custom furniture and cabinetry to the home he built for his family to the beautiful nature-themed dioramas in his home, nothing was beyond the scope of his imagination. His creativeness, resourcefulness, and problem-solving nature enabled his talent for fixing things. He gave new life to old, broken or obsolete things that normally would have been thrown away. Everett was meticulous in everything he did. He took great pride in doing things well and using these skills to help others.

Nothing held Everett’s heart like the love he had for his family. They were the center of his life. His compassionate and generous nature was shared with all without thought of himself. Together Everett and Kathy were a source of strength, wisdom, and endless love for their children and those close to them. Working hard all their life to provide for their family, they were generous beyond measure. Everett and Kathy were also rich in friendships that have lasted a lifetime. From vacations to regular gatherings to play couples Bridge or Euchre, laughter was always present and memories were always made. Anyone who knew Everett knew him for his distinct and “punny” sense of humor.

He leaves three children: Christina (Douglas) Foster, Kimberly (Michael) Nelson and Brian Whildin; a sister, Marilyn Swift; one sister-in-law, Gloria Holbert; his four grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Robert, Ryan, and Eddie; several nieces, nephews and a community of friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kathleen Whildin; a son Steven, who was killed a car accident, along with his father Everett S. Whildin in 1975. Also taken too soon, was his daughter, Michelle, who was stillborn in 1976. In addition, he was preceded by his brothers-in-law, Jim Swift and Fred Holbert.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, with a funeral service to celebrate his life to follow at noon, Friday, August 9, 2019, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Everett’s name. Checks may be made to the “St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook page, or at www.conleycare.com

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, with a funeral service to celebrate his life to follow at noon, Friday, August 9, 2019, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

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