Frank L. Van Aelst

Frank L. Van Aelst, age 80, of Sugar Grove, formerly of Geneva, passed away Monday, December 19, 2022 at home with his loving family by his side.

He was born April 27, 1942, in Chicago, the son of Frank and Helen Homuth Van Aelst, and grew up in LaGrange Park, Illinois.

In 1961, Frank joined the United States Marine Corps, serving four years in California, Okinawa, Philippines, Japan, and North Carolina.  He attended Northern Illinois University, where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Accountancy.

Frank, a long-time resident of Geneva, Illinois and Sugar Grove, Illinois, established his Geneva based accounting firm in 1972, practicing for over 50 years. He served in many capacities and positions within the community.  He was a previous member of the Geneva Rotary Club and the Geneva Jaycees.  Additionally, he served as Geneva’s city treasurer for three terms.

Golf was one of his lifelong passions.  He was a member of the Kishwaukee Country Club in DeKalb, Illinois for over 40 years.  He played many courses in the United States, Bahamas, and Jamaica, playing in tournaments and caddying for golf pros.  Frank and his high school friends (who fondly called him “Dutch”) of 65 years scheduled annual reunion golf trips to Las Vegas.  He also became a professional golf club maker.

For many years on Memorial Day weekends, Frank and his friends flew into a remote area of Canada for fishing trips, bringing home fresh fish to grill.  With his lifelong love of trains, he dedicated a portion of his basement to constructing a train set complete with mountains, tunnels, and a train depot to operate his fifteen electric train models.

Frank adored his dogs, often owing 3-4 dogs at a time.  He performed with Madie, his yellow Labrador, in agility training and competitions.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years Sharon (Crince); daughters Ann (Mark) Kelley, Natalie (Jason) Wagner, and Renee Van Aelst; grandchildren Bryan, Kailin, Trevor, Chase, Kaci, Daniel, and Kyra; and many other dear relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Judy.

Since it is Frank’s birthday and after the tax season, we will celebrate his life in true Frank fashion by having a visitation Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 2:00 pm until the time of his Celebration of Life Service at 5:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva.  In Frank’s honor, please wear bright colors and bring a story or two to share.  (Cigars and golf balls will be provided, lol.)

For information 630-232-8233 or malonefh.com.

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