Donald Vanthournout

Donald A. Vanthournout, age 87, of Elgin, passed away peacefully and went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, May 17, 2021.  He was surrounded by his loving family - wife Marilyn, son Don & daughter Amy. 

He was born February 26, 1934, in St. Charles, Illinois, the son of Arthur and Julia (Mourisse) Vanthournout. 

After graduating from high school, Don proudly served in the United States Army in Korea – and he has continued to stay involved in serving with local veterans. After his time in the army, he followed in his father’s footsteps and undertook a career in farming.  During these years, he served multiple terms on the Kane County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. 

Don has been active in church throughout his life.  He served as a deacon for many years and more recently he enjoyed serving as the head of one of the usher teams at Chapelstreet Church. He and his wife have also been involved in a church small group for over the past 20 years, which has been the source of great encouragement and wonderful friendships.

Since their retirements in 2001, Don and Marilyn have enjoyed traveling, which was limited during Don’s years as a dairy farmer.  They have traveled through Europe on multiple trips, as well as enjoying several cruises.  They have also enjoyed vacations with Don’s siblings and spouses through the years in locations like northern Wisconsin, Arizona and the Gulf Coast.

Don has loved participating and watching sports throughout his life. In high school, he played basketball, football and baseball.  He was part of a Wednesday night bowling league at St. Charles Bowl for many years.  During his retirement years, while living at Edgewater in Elgin, he especially enjoyed playing bocce and led his team to the playoffs every year – and won the overall championship three times.  He enjoyed all Chicago sports, but was especially an avid Cubs fan since 1945.  However, his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and many friends.  He will be dearly missed.   

He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years Marilyn (Sistler); children Donald Brian Vanthournout and Amy Lynn Geyer, both of St. Charles; grandchildren David Geyer of Lake In The Hills and Kirstie Geyer of St. Charles; and many other dear relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Julia, his brothers Robert, Arthur, Henry, and Richard Vanthournout, and his sister Dorothy Coleman.

A visitation for Don will be held Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 9:00 am until the time of his funeral service at 11:00 am at Chapelstreet Church, 2300 South Street, Geneva, Illinois with Pastor Jeff Frazier officiating.

Burial will follow at Prairie Cemetery in St. Charles.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Chapelstreet Church, 2300 South Street, Geneva, Illinois 60134. 

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For more information, please call 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.

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