Conley Funeral Home, 116 W Pierce Street, Elburn, IL (2025)

11/27/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
ANDREA S. PURCELL

Andrea Purcell, 76, of Elburn, Illinois, passed away suddenly at her home on Monday, November 24, 2025. She was born in Gilmanton, Wisconsin on January 26, 1949, to parents, Sherman and Dorothy Cooke.

Andrea grew up in the Gilmanton, Wisconsin area where her family lived on a farm where they grew crops and raised cattle. She attended Gilmanton High School through her sophomore year at which point her family moved to the Barrington, Illinois area. She completed her high school education at Barrington High School, graduating class of 1967.

While living in an apartment complex in Mount Prospect, Illinois, Andrea would bump into Daniel Purcell, another resident in her apartment building. Little did she know she had met her future husband. Daniel became very fond of Andrea and asked her on a date. The rest was history in the making. The two married September 28, 1974, in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Andrea worked as a typesetter for Star Printing for several years. She would leave Star Printing to work for the family business, Shamrock Container where she worked as a bookkeeper for around 15 years. Prior to retirement she did the bookkeeping for her church, Kaneville United Methodist Church.

Andrea was a woman of strong faith in her Lord and Savior; she was a member at Kaneville United Methodist for over 30 years. Andrea was also a member of “The Card Girls”. Her and her friends always looked forward to playing pinochle, bunco, and a variety of card games.

To keep busy Andrea loved spending time tending to her expansive flower garden. She looked forward to the summer when she could spend her days outdoors. In the winter or on a rainy day she kept her hands busy with cross stitch and jigsaw puzzles. She loved her dog, Fergie, more than life itself. Fergie was by her side up until the very end. When her children were growing up, she gladly took out her sewing machine and made clothes for her son and daughter. On the weekends, she could be found hitting up the local antique shops, trying to find some treasures to take home with her. In retirement she stepped up and baby sat for several families in her neighborhood. She was a nurturer by nature and showed great care to the children she watched. She loved her family and never turned down the opportunity to watch her grandson, Kael. She was a die-hard Packers fan and never missed a game. Andrea was a bright and vivacious woman; she was outgoing and could strike up a conversation with anyone. She was always the last to leave church after starting a conversation. Her family will miss her contagious laughter and larger than life personality.

Andrea is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Daniel Purcell; her children: Daniel Purcell III and Heather Purcell; her grandson, Kael Adkins; her sister, Marsha McConnell, and a whole community of friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Sherman and Dorothy Cooke.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 10a.m. to 11a.m. at Kaneville United Methodist Church at 46W764 Main Street Rd, Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00a.m. also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Andrea’s memory to Kaneville United Methodist Church at 46W764 Main Street Rd, Elburn, IL 60119. Contributions can also be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

11/27/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
MICHAEL S. LEWIS

Michael S. Lewis, 78, of Maple Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. He was born in Sussex, England on March 17,1947, to parents Henry and Marjorie Lewis.

In Sussex, Michael attended local schools. After he was done with his formal education he went into construction.

In 1987, being a history buff, Michael was touring the local historical sites when he ran into Karen Kruty. It was love at first sight. Fate brought them together at just the right moment because Karen was three days away from returning home to the US. They married nearly immediately on March 17, 1987, St. Patrick’s Day. After several years of marital bliss in England, Karen returned to the US and Michael would follow her two years later in 1994.
While working in construction in London, Michael worked on the Chunnel, which he was particularly proud of. After coming to the US he worked for his stepson’s telecommunications tower business, Tower Works. He worked for Tower Works for over twenty years, retiring in 2015.

Michael could always be found with a good book and was an avid reader. He loved anything to do with history from visiting historical sites to reading historical literature. He was a big fan of country music, and you could guarantee his radio was always tuned to country music radio. Karen loved to cook and Michael loved to eat. He liked all kinds of food and never turned down a good meal. In the warmer months Michael looked forward to spending time outdoors and tending to his vast vegetable garden; there was nothing he couldn’t grow. Michael was a family man and spent his days surrounded by his loved ones and grandchildren. His outgoing and vivacious personality will be his legacy, passed down onto the generations to come.

Michael is survived by his children: Thomas (Marisha) Lewis and David Lewis; his stepchildren: Elizabeth (Greg) Surace, Eddie (Laura) Finley, and Lisa (Sam) Lucente; and his many grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marjorie Lewis; and his wife of 32 years, Karen Lewis.

The family will be hosting a private celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Michael’s memory to the American Cancer Society at the following link American Cancer Society . Contributions can also be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

11/27/2025

OUR PHONES ARE NEVER ALONE.....But our office will be closed for Thanksgiving. If you need to make an appointment, please give us a call at any time, 630-365-6414. To those this Thanksgiving that have an extra chair at the table please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

11/25/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
LLOYD M. DA MASK SR.

Lloyd M. Da Mask Sr., 94, of Maple Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 22, 2025. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 21, 1931, to parents, Leo and Myrtle Da Mask.

Lloyd grew up in the northwest side of Chicago where he attended local schools, graduating from Wells Highschool, class of 1953.

After graduating from high school, Lloyd stepped up to protect his country when he joined the Marines. In the Marines, Lloyd worked as a communication specialist. He served three years in active duty followed by three years in the reserves. In 1954 while serving in the reserves, Lloyd started his college education at the Allied Institute of Technology. He graduated in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

While serving in the Marines, Lloyd’s high school sweetheart, Marie Diakow, waited for his return. When Lloyd returned from active duty, he and Marie were married in Chicago on January 23, 1954. Lloyd and Marie were the epitome of a strong and faithful marriage, setting an amazing example of love and loyalty for their children and grandchildren. They would go on to have four children which they surrounded with love and care.

Lloyd worked for White Cap Manufacturing in Chicago for 50 plus years where he worked as a senior project engineer. Lloyd loved his job and thoroughly enjoyed traveling for work where he visited countries spanning the entire world.

Lloyd was an active member of the Moose Lodge for 15 years. He was also a member of the Elburn American Legion Post 630 where he was a Sergeant-at-Arms. He and Marie were avid square dancers and belonged to the Flying Squares. Lloyd was the oldest member of his church in Chicago, Irving Park Lutheran Church, where he was bestowed the title of oldest council person emirates. When his children were growing up, Lloyd was a boy scout leader with his church. He was also a member of the DeKalb County Marine Corps League.

After retiring from White Cap, Lloyd and Marie moved out of the city settling in Maple Park on a farm where they looked forward to enjoying their retirement and spending time with their grandchildren. Lloyd was a man of many interests and always kept himself busy with his many hobbies He spent his free time woodworking in his basement where he also made wine. He enjoyed taking care of his property where he gardened and always looked forward to mowing his lawn. He loved to bake cookies, pies, and bread. He was an amazing cook, and he loved to feed his family and they certainly didn’t complain. Every Thursday night he would make popcorn for the American Legion. At his core, Lloyd was first a man of great faith and helped establish and build his church from the ground up and was a hardworking family man who spent every second he could with his family. He loved his country, was proud to be an American, and was a true patriot. His family and friends will miss him dearly. His legacy will carry on through the lives of his loving family.

Lloyd is survived by his children: Donna (Thomas) Elkin, Lloyd (Dawn) Da Mask Jr., and Thomas (Vanessa) Da Mask; his grandchildren: Brandon Reum, Rhianna Magan᷉a, Weston Da Mask, Scott Da Mask, Jenna Da Mask, Ryan Da Mask, Brittany Da Mask, Michael Da Mask, Madeline Da Mask, and Mackenzie Da Mask; his 19 great grandchildren, his brother, Leo Da Mask II, and a whole family of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Myrtle Da Mask; his beloved wife, Marie Da Mask; his son, Robert Da Mask; and his siblings: Laverne Da Mask and Leroy Da Mask.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 9a.m. to 12p.m. at Conley Funeral Home at 116 W. Pierce Street, Elburn, IL 60119. Following the visitation at the funeral home a visitation will be held at Irving Park Lutheran Church, at 3938 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, from 2:30p.m. to 3:00p.m. followed by a funeral service at 3p.m., also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Elburn American Legion Post 630 in Lloyd’s memory. Tributes may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119, shared on the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com

11/19/2025

**UPDATED LUNCHEON INFORMATION UNDER SERVICE INFORMATION**

Life Story and Service Details For
James "JIM" MacRunnels

James “Jim” MacRunnels, 68, of Sugar Grove, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on December 31, 1956, and was raised by his mother Julia and stepfather Eugene Cover.

Jim grew up in Dixon, Illinois and graduated from Dixon High School, class of 1975.

After graduating from high school, Jim attended George Williams College in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration in 1979.

At George Williams College, Jim would meet the love of his life, Colleen Powers. The two shared the same major and were married at St. Joan of Ark Catholic Church in Lisle, Illinois on November 27, 1982.

Jim was a financial advisor working as an independent broker for 35 years. He always looked forward to helping his customers reach financial security and loved what he did so much that he never truly retired.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and especially loved hunting and fishing. He always looked forward to wild game hunting with his hunting buddies and loyal hunting dogs through the years. He enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada where he surrounded himself with his many friends fishing during the day and cooking up their catch in the evening. He loved traveling to Mexico where he spent his time at the pool with a good book and enjoying fresh seafood at his favorite restaurants. Jim always made sure mornings in Mexico were extra special by preparing delicious breakfasts for friends and family with Kahlua and coffee. Jim had a big heart and was an avid supporter of the Special Olympics. He made sure that no one ever felt left out and referred to the athletes as his posse. Over the years, he raised nearly 2 million dollars for Special Olympic athletes.

Jim is survived by his wife of 43 years, Colleen MacRunnels; his son, Jamie MacRunnels; his son-in-law Bobby Hammer; and his siblings: Charles MacRunnels, Linda (Russ) Monson, Shelby (Galen) Boyd, Cindy (Steve) Bonnell, Phil MacRunnels, and Dwayne (Lisa) MacRunnels.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Julia and Eugene Cover.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 11a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church at 123 S County Lind Rd, Maple Park, IL 60151. A luncheon will immediately follow the Funeral Mass at the Maple Park American Legion Post 312 at 203 Main Street, Maple Park, IL 60151.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Fox Valley Special Rec Foundation at https://fvsrf.networkforgood.com/projects/264602-in-memory-of-jim-macrunnels or to Opportunity House at https://www.ohinc.org/in-loving-memory-of-jim-macrunnels.html. Tributes may also be forwarded to P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119, the Conley Funeral Home page, Or at www.conleycare.com.

11/18/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
JUDITH "JUDY" NIELSEN

Judith Nielsen, 87, of St Charles, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025. She was born on April 8, 1938, to Jessie Brown and Joan VanElla.

Judy grew up in Forest Park up until 3rd grade when her family moved to Franklin Park. She attended local schools and graduated from Leyden High School where she met the love of life, Raymond Nielsen. The two would graduate together class of 1956.

When Judith and Raymond were juniors, Raymond made a call to a mutual friend and asked if they thought that Judy would go out with him, she did, and the rest was history. The two were married March 8, 1958, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Franklin Park. That day would set off a partnership that was full of love and adventures.

Judy and Raymond always kept busy and surrounded themselves with good people. In their down time they enjoyed, sailing on their sailboat the Wind Witch, fishing, camping, and always being around water. Judy was such a good person, she loved her husband with all her heart. Her three daughters and her large family meant everything to her. She will be truly missed.

Judy is survived by her husband of 67 years, Raymond Nielsen; her daughters: Susan Hendricksen, Sheryl (Ken) Sands, Christine (Kevin) Taylor; her eight grandchildren; and her nine great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Brown and Joan VanElla; and her sister, Michelle Cicmmanec.

A celebration of life will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Breast Cancer Foundation in Judy’s memory via the following link https://www.abcf.org or make a donation to an animal shelter of your choice. Contributions can be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

11/11/2025

Life Story and Service Details for
JACKIE OBENAUF

Jackie Obenauf, age 86, of St. Charles, formerly of Elgin, IL, passed away at her home surround by the love and prayers of her family, Thursday, November 6, 2025.

She was born February 10, 1939, in Elgin, IL, to proud parents, Joseph and Delia Schaeffer.

Jackie grew up in Elgin and attended local schools. She graduated from Elgin High School with the class of 1957.
Jackie met her future husband, Marty Obenauf on a double date, but it wasn’t with each other! Sparks flew and a friendship was born. They proclaimed their love at the altar on May 11, 1957. Shortly after their wedding, Marty was drafted into the United States Army and served faithfully for two years while he was stationed in Germany. He returned to civilian life and his blushing bride, settling in Huntley until 1961, when they moved to Elgin.
Jackie found work at Chicago Rawhide in 1960, and worked nearly every position in the front office, eventually becoming a corporate liaison. She worked into her 70’s before retiring and made sure that she dedicated many more hours as a volunteer at the St. Charles Moose.

Jackie loved sewing clothes with dreams of being a designer. Although her wares never made it to shelves in a store, they are prized possessions of both family and friends. When her hands became idle, her feet did the talking on the roller rink, not to mention the skates she donned for the ice rink. Raucous noise followed her from lane to lane when she bowled as a part of a league at Elgin Lanes. Jackie loved her hometown but lived for the sun and all the excitement in store on cruises to the Caribbean. No one cheered louder for her beloved Chicago Cubs, though she didn’t slack off when it came to the Bears and Blackhawks either. One of the highlights of her later years was when she dressed to her “Cubbie” nines, and made her presence known at Clark and Addison, taking in the legendary ivy, savoring the smell of hot dogs, and luxuriating in the hope of a titular Cubs win. When Chicago was out of reach, she treated herself to local baseball at the Kane County Cougars Stadium. A friendship with Jackie was a guaranteed home run, just like every holiday she hosted. Signature dishes overflowed, especially when she made “mom’s corn”, a creamed corn recipe that was begrudgingly written down for future generations.

She leaves 4 children: Pete (Sandra) Obenauf, Marcie Obenauf, Mitzi Obenauf, and Mitch “Mick” (Leigh Ann) Obenauf; 8 grandchildren: Shannon (Rich) Wujec, Philip Obenauf, Ashley (Rob) Ambrogi, Alex (Cynthia) Snyder, Liz (Ivan) Vito, Paul Rothengass, Joe Rothengass, Luke Rothengass; 6 great-grandchildren: Kinsley Wujec, Dean Wujec, Emily Ambrogi, Brian Ambrogi, Andrew Vito and Ragnar Snyder; one sister, JoAnn (Leon) Olinger; many nieces and nephews, as well as a family of friends who will miss her dearly.

Jacqueline is reunited with her parents, Joseph and Delia Schaeffer; her husband, Marty Obenauf and 2 sisters: Janice Konen and Joyce King who preceded her in death.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A visitation will be held Friday, November 14, 2025, starting at 1 p.m. at Conley Funeral Home, followed by Mass at St. Gall Catholic Church, Elburn, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at St. Gall Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

11/08/2025

Life Story and Service Details For
NORMA FISHER

Norma Fisher, age 77, of Aurora, passed away into celestial glory, Sunday, November 2, 2025.
She was born on October 19, 1948, to loving parents, Byron and Georgia Fisher.
Norma grew up in Lemont, IL, and attended local schools. After the family moved west when Norma was a junior, she graduated from Oswego High School with the class of 1966.
Norma continued her education later in life and attended Waubonsee Community College to become a LPN.
Norma met Rodney Barclay when she was working at Alumax in Aurora. Two hearts became one when they walked down the aisle in 1978. They were blessed with 6 children and though they would go their separate ways, the love they had for their children would never waver.
Norma gave her heart and time to several nursing homes over the years as a Certified Nurses Assistant, making sure residents felt seen, heard and cared for.
Norma loved the beach and escaped whenever she could. Her heart was always open, and she was always near to listen to anyone who needed a friend or a kind word. Norma had a pure soul and never judged others. No matter who she met, she accepted them as they were. Music was big part of the family. There are thousands of memories growing up with refrains of Jimmy Buffet, James Taylor, Jim Croce, Carol King, Helen Reddy and more echoed throughout the house. No one cared like Norma and the world will be poorer for her absence.
She is survived by 3 children: Pamela Fisher, Michael (Carrie) Sheridan and Leah (Arthur) Marchetta; 8 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; her lifelong companion, Rodney Barclay; several nieces and nephews, as well as a family of friends that will miss her dearly.
Norma is reunited with her parents, Byron and Georgia Fisher; her sister, Irene Hughes; one brother, Bryon Fisher Jr.; 3 sons: Thomas Sheridan, Joel Barclay and Jordan Barclay, who preceded her in death.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Charity at www.stjude.org. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

11/06/2025

Life Story and Service Details For
JOAN B. McAULEY

Joan B. McAuley, age 93, of St. Charles (formerly of Elburn), passed away on the morning of Friday, October 24, 2025. She was born in Miami, FL on October 22, 1932 to Flora and Gordon Luders. When Joan was two, she, her parents and sister, Phyllis, moved to the Chicagoland area where she resided until her marriage to Richard McAuley in May of 1955 at St. Eulalia Parish in Maywood, IL. They celebrated 60 years of marriage before Richard predeceased her in September of 2015.
Joan and Richard built a strong and loving family that were surrounding her during the last three weeks of her life and she always had much peace and comfort from the immense pride she felt for her entire family. She was a true homemaker when it came to cooking all meals from scratch for her family, keeping house, sewing her children’s clothes and creating window treatments for every home she inhabited; she was an excellent seamstress! Joan was devoted to her immediate and extended family who will all miss her very much.
Joan and her family of six were fortunate to travel extensively every summer on vacations across the country, enjoying many experiences together across North America, from Alaska to Colorado to Vermont and every scenic mountain in between. However, her favorite place to be was home with her family; her four children and their families.
Joan was a charter member of the Illinois Fox Valley Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America for many years, perfecting her craft with needle in hand, busily creating incredible works of art doing every sort of needlework from crewel embroidery, hardanger, blackwork, drawn thread, needlepoint, silk & metal thread designs, to having fun creating with beads and pe**te stitch. There was nothing she could not do as the years went by when it came to her handiwork.
Joan leaves behind two daughters and two sons: Debbie (Geoff) Poole, Sycamore, IL; Cindy Miller, Appleton, WI; sons Shawn, Sammamish, WA; and Kevin, Kaneville, IL; granddaughters, Becky (Nick) Chin and their daughters Sophia & Grace and son, Tyler, all of Batavia, IL; Kari (Taylor) Buchanan of Breckenridge, CO; Kate (TJ) Colborn and their son, Blake of Plano, IL; grandsons, Kyle (Nikki Colburn) Miller and their daughter, Ruby of Fitchburg, WI; Steve Miller and his daughter, Ava, and his two sons, Ethan and Burke of Appleton, WI; and grandsons Shane, Connor and Grant McAuley all of Geneva, IL. Joan is also survived by one sister, Phyllis (Joe) Kramer of Greenville, SC; two brothers-in-law, Lawrence McAuley of Downers Grove, IL and Robert McAuley (JoAnne) of Woodridge, IL. Joan is also survived by many special nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter-in law, Jody Harness; and a nephew, Mike McAuley. No funeral services will be held and a private family celebration of Joan’s life will be held at a later date. Conley Funeral Home of Elburn is assisting the family.
The family expresses a sincere thank you to the wonderful staff of Bickford of St. Charles and Lighthouse Hospice for their kindness, care, sensitivity and support throughout Joan’s journey.

“A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, ‘Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease; my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry at all. I’ll miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we’re together again’….”

11/03/2025

Life Story and Service Details For
ARLAND PRESTIDGE

Arland Prestidge, age 74, of Hampshire, entered the gates of Heaven, comforted by the love and prayers of his family, Friday, October 31, 2025.
He was born on New Year’s Eve, 1950 to loving parents, David and Helmi Prestidge. Arland grew up near Talmoon and Marcell, two northern Minnesota towns founded by his grandfathers as the original homesteaders. Surrounded by family and the natural beauty of the Northwoods, Arland’s early years shaped the man he would become. At age five, his family relocated to Illinois, where he continued to grow, learn, and eventually build a life defined by family, craftsmanship, and service to others.
Arland began his education in the elementary schools of Cloverdale and Wayne, Illinois, before attending middle school in Elgin. He graduated with the Class of 1969 from St. Charles High School, where he stood out both academically and athletically. On the basketball court, he made a name for himself with his talent and determination, ultimately earning a full scholarship for basketball to Lubbock Christian College. During high school, he also began drafting designs for St. Charles Kitchens, showcasing the early signs of the workmanship that would later define his career.
Arland’s dedication to his skill was matched only by his devotion to Jean Dunteman, the love of his life. They first met as young children on Jean’s grandfather’s farm; a moment Arland fondly described as “love at first sight.” Though their first official date wouldn’t come until high school, his affection for Jean never wavered. On August 12, 1972, they were united in marriage.
Their life together began in apartments in Dundee and Elgin before settling in Kaneville in 1976. As their family grew, they moved to a farmette in Plato Township in December 1984, and later to Burlington Township in 2000. Their Burlington home became a gathering place, where friends and family came to connect and create lasting memories. Arland and Jean’s journey together spanned 70 years from the day they first met.
While building a life with Jean, Arland also built a legendary career. After college, he joined Amber Construction, his father’s business, where he spent years designing and building thousands of custom homes alongside his dad and brothers. When his father retired, Arland took the reins and led the company until his own retirement. His commitment to quality was evident in every home he built, earning him a reputation for excellence and innovation. Known for his cutting edge efficiency, Arland had an uncanny ability to assess blueprints at a glance and spot potential issues before they arose. A perfectionist by nature, his work consistently passed inspections without a single flaw; a precision that defined him.
Arland’s generosity and commitment to helping others extended far beyond his professional life. He took part in a month-long church mission trip to Mexico, where he worked with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families in need, an experience that reflected both his expertise and his compassion.
Arland was an early and dedicated member of the St. Charles Sportsman’s Club. He played a key role in expanding the club’s grounds, including the development of its ponds, which were stocked with fish for all to enjoy. As a skilled trap shooter, he competed in numerous state and national tournaments, earning many awards and recognition for his marksmanship.
Arland was an avid hunter and fisherman, with more unique stories than all the homes he ever built! Deeply spiritual and a natural storyteller, he loved sharing his experiences and wisdom with anyone who would listen. Whether offering a lesson, a laugh, or a bit of hard-earned advice, Arland’s stories were as memorable as the man himself.
He had a heart of gold and rarely missed the mark; both in aim and character. From the time he learned to shoot at age five, he carried a deep respect for nature. As a child, he understood that animals were to be hunted when the family needed food; a value deeply rooted in the land they lived on. He worked to ensure his family was self-sufficient and lived with a profound respect for wildlife and the outdoors. Fishing brought Arland a special kind of peace. He spent countless days on the lake with family and friends, finding relaxation and joy in the quiet rhythm of the water and the thrill of the catch.
His strong work ethic, forged early in life, was passed down with great pride to the next generations. Arland wore his heart on his sleeve and was generous with his friendship, which came with a warm, genuine smile. He was open-minded, yet fiercely stubborn once he made up his mind, and he never hesitated to challenge the status quo if he believed there was a better way.
A devoted poker player, Arland regularly gathered with friends in the basement of his father’s home for spirited games. The group often took gambling trips across the country; once visiting 30 casinos on one trip. Though he never reached the finals of the World Series of Poker, his chips were stacked with great pride.
Arland’s love for basketball extended well beyond his high school and college years. He and his former teammates made annual trips to watch the IHSA State Tournaments, keeping their bond alive through the game they loved.
Looking back on his life and all he accomplished, Arland was most proud of his four children and ten grandchildren, who never failed to bring a smile to his face. They are a living tribute to the values, stories, and wisdom he passed down through a lifetime of hard work and deep, abiding love.
He leaves his loving wife of 53 years, Jean Prestidge; 4 children: Armand (Edith) Prestidge, Corielle “Cori” (Bryant Wilson) Prestidge, Lorilyn “Lori” (Arman) Prestidge-Davtian and Austin (Martha) Prestidge; 10 grand-children: Zofia, Aniela and Anderson Prestidge, Byron Wilson, Cole Lehrer-Prestidge, Theadora Wilson, Eleanore and Gabriel Davtian, Austin, Jr. and Rose Prestidge; 3 siblings: Pat (Lory) Prestidge, Percy (Herm) Becker and Kris Prestidge; 6 step-brothers: David (Jeanne) Buck, Richard (Anne) Buck, Edward (Penny) Buck, Peter (Lynette) Buck, James (Peggy) Buck and Andrew (Patti) Buck; many nieces, nephews, cousins and enough friends to fill a book of classic Arland stories.
Arland joins his parents, David “Pat” Prestidge and Helmi (Jerry) Hansen; his stepmother, Theodora “Do” Prestidge and one brother, Michael “Mike” Prestidge who preceded him in death.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 5-8 p.m., at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, November 7, 2025 at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church, 8S055 Dugan Rd., Sugar Grove, IL, with visitation starting at 9 a.m. and prayer service at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Kaneville Cemetery, Kaneville, IL with a luncheon back at St. Katherine Drexel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions maty be made in his name to the charity of your choice. Memories and tributes can be left on the Conley Funeral Home page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Conley Funeral Home

11/27/2025

11/27/2025

11/27/2025

11/25/2025

11/19/2025

11/18/2025

11/11/2025

11/08/2025

11/06/2025

11/03/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Our Story