Ted Wren

TED LEE WREN, age 73, of Elburn, passed away at his home surrounded by the love and prayers of his family on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.BORN: He was born July 2, 1937, in Midway, TN, the son of Raymond and Ethel (Dyer) Wren. EARLY YEARS:Ted grew up in Tennessee but came to Illinois to finish his high school years, graduating from Shabbona High School in 1956. It was a fortunate move as he met the girl he would marry checking coats at a basketball game. Jan Hetland checked more than his coat, she checked his heart, but gave him hers in return. Following high school, Ted drove a truck for local farmers and shortly became engaged to Jan. But, his plans would have to be put on hold because his country came calling. MILITARY: Ted faithfully served his country in the United States Army, serving overseas in Korea, but found time to come back home on leave to marry Jan on June 24, 1961. He was honorably discharged later that same year. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: Upon returning to civilian life, Ted and Jan made their home in Sycamore, IL for a time before settling in Elburn in 1971 and have been making memories there ever since. June 24, 2011 would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Ted moved from working for local farmers to driving a semi-truck for Harding Express and later for Jewel Food Stores. He hung up his keys in August of 2003, retiring to spend more time with family and friends. LIFE NOTES: Driving a semi-truck was a difficult and time consuming job but one that he loved with all his heart. The only thing he loved more was his family and his best times were spent in their company. They enjoyed camping together and fishing in Minnesota. Ted loved the outdoors and all of God’s creatures, but he especially enjoyed watching and feeding the birds that congregated in his back yard each day. SURVIVORS: He is survived by his loving wife Jan, Three children:Gary Wren of Maple Park, IL, Anna Wren of Woodland, AL and Susan (Dan) McGuffin of Elgin, IL;Eight grandchildren:Christina Wren, Michael Wren, Meghan McGuffin, Connor McGuffin, Hunter McGuffin, Andrew Lowery, Shawn Lowery and Rebecca (Jackie) Vaughn; Four great-grandchildren;One sister, Aline Shipley, many nieces and nephews and his very special four legged friend, Muffy, his dog. PRECEDED:He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Jake Wren.VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 10-11:30 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 12 p.m., Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Interment will follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery in Elburn. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in his name. Checks may be made to the "Ted Wren Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 10-11:30 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 12 p.m., Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

Interment will follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery in Elburn.