Joel S. Lamplough

Joel Stephen Lamplough, age 86, passed away Friday July 3, 2026, at Michealsen Health Center at The Holmstad in Batavia.

Joel was born June 24, 1940, in San Diego, California, where his father was stationed as a pilot with the US Navy.  His parents were Clifford E. Lamplough and Viola Weaver Lamplough. Joel grew up in Indian Head Park and graduated from Lyons Township High School. 

Aviation was the center of Joel’s career.  He flew in the US Army, later in the Army Reserves, eventually retiring as a member of the Iowa National Guard.  In 1967, after finishing active military duty, he followed in his father’s footsteps and was hired by United Airlines. It was at United that he met his wife of 47 years, Laura. They were catching the employee parking lot shuttle at the same time late at night in sub-zero weather.

Joel retired from United in 2000 as a 777 Captain, but continued his involvement with aviation. He worked at O’Hare on the “snow desk” monitoring braking action during bad weather, and later worked for the FAA in Aurora, assisting in training controllers with radio work. He also volunteered for many years with young visitors at the annual EAA event in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin.

In addition to aviation, Joel enjoyed motorcycles, traveling, photography and setting off fireworks.  An ongoing project was the restoration of his 1972 Porsche, ‘Iggy’.  He served for many years as a Trustee for the Village of Wayne, heading the public works committee, and it was not unusual to find Joel patching roads or using a chainsaw. 

Joel is survived by his wife Laura (Van Der Kamp); sons Joel Lamplough Jr. and Michael Lamplough; daughter-in-law Jennifer Lamplough; grandsons Joshua, Jacob, and Isaiah; granddaughter Jessica; niece Chrystene VanDerKamp; and nephew Aaron Dicks.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Dewey.

A time of celebration and fellowship will be held at The Holmstad, 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 11:00 am. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva at https://solvehungertoday.org/

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