Donald W. Buik, 88
Industrial laundry pioneer
Donald W. Buik, 88, formerly of Oak Brook and Elmhurst, died peacefully at home on September 2, 2015. Loving husband of the late Betty J. Buik nee Jakoubek, dear father of Nancy Beth (Jeff), Richard (Patricia), Christine (Jim) and James (Teresa); gentle grandfather of Mark, Anna, Mollie, Steven, Will, Julia, Katie and Daniel; doting dog parent of Max.
Born in Oak Park on April 12, 1927, and predeceased by parents, Frieda and George, Sr., sisters, Annabelle Roche and Dorothy (Doe) Kempinsky, brother, George Buik, Jr.
Donald’s two passions were his family and his family’s business, The Roscoe Company of Chicago. Buik served in the U.S. Navy V-5 program before completing a business degree at Northwestern University in 1948. Joining the family business founded in 1921 by his father, Don became president in 1969, continuing to guide the company until his son, Jim, purchased the company in 2000. Long active in the Institute of Industrial Launderers (renamed UTSA), Buik served as president from 1973-’74. Buik piloted the installation of the first wastewater pretreatment system in an industrial laundry and showcased this work at the 6th Annual World Linen Congress in Venice, Italy. These pioneering efforts brought Buik recognition, including induction into the UTSA Plant Operations Hall of Fame and the Gus Eggerling Award. Don earned the title of “Lawndale Industrialist of the Year” which is named for the area in which The Roscoe Company continues to operate today. Buik served as chairman of the Lawndale Sears Roebuck YMCA, and received the Lawndale Business Community Spirit Award which was later named in his honor for future recipients.
Donald Buik was a founding member of Bethel U.C.C., and, a trustee of Elmhurst College where he received the Founders Medal in 1980 followed by an honorary doctorate in 2000 (Doctor of Laws). Active in Rotary One, the Boy Scouts of America receiving the Silver Beaver Award, and the Illinois St. Andrew Society, Don’s hobbies included pheasant hunting, fishing, reading, music and antique autos.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel United Church of Christ, 315 E. St. Charles in Elmhurst. Visitation will precede the service at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Buik Endowed Scholarship Fund, Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, 60126.
Arrangements provided by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Call (630) 834-3515 or visit ahlgrim.com for more information.
Belinda Lee Kimble, 64
Belinda Lee Kimble, nee Vavrock, of Elmhurst, passed away peacefully in her home on August 14, 2015, with her family at her side, at the age of 64. She was born February 1, 1951, in Chicago. She was the loving wife of Dennis Kimble and mother of Cathleen (Erik) Anderson, and Wayne Kimble. Grandmother of Gus Anderson. She was preceded in death by her mother Betty Lou Wellman Gross; her father Robert Eugene Vavrock; and one sister Breta Ann Vavrock. She is also survived by Carolyn Kimble.
Belinda attended Oak Park High School and served as the Duplicating Assistant at Concordia University in River Forest. She married Dennis on May 5, 1979, at Epiphany Lutheran Church. After raising her children, she resumed her career working at DeVries Animal Hospital in Elmhurst for the last 15 years as a receptionist, billing coordinator and compassionate lover of all animals who came through their doors.
Visitation will be Saturday, September 19, 2015, at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 114 W. Vallette Street, Elmhurst, at 10 a.m. Services to begin at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be served in the Fellowship Hall following services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church, American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements provided by the family.
