JAMES A. PLUNKET
James A. Plunket, age 77, of Downers Grove, died March 12, 2022, at his home.
James was the beloved husband of 57 years of Marion Plunket; loving father of Brian J. (Susan) Plunket and Keith A. (Theresa) Plunket; adored grandpa of Brad (Tayler) Plunket, Michael Plunket and Joshua Plunket; beloved great grandpa of Jackson and Hope; and dear uncle to many nieces and nephews.
James worked in fire service for over 30 years, including 17 years as a Lombard firefighter and paramedic. He was hired by the Lombard Fire Department in 1979 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1987. He retired in 1996 but returned in 1997 to serve as the Public Education Coordinator … a role he was extraordinarily passionate about. James was instrumental in starting the Public Education program, educating Lombardians of all ages on fire safety. He was a volunteer at the Belmont Fire Department, was a Trustee at Darien/Woodridge Fire Department, and was instrumental in establishing a Fire Safety Program with the Chicago Fire Department. He worked as an auxiliary policeman in Berwyn from 1970 to 1975. He served as Fire Marshal for the State of Illinois.
James was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for 10 years, serving as safety inspector. He also worked for his father at J.E. Plunket Machine Company.
James mentored children who were burn victims at Loyola Hospital. He was diligent working on his family genealogy and loved family history. He enjoyed boating, skiing, volunteering and being involved in the community.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Angel’s Grace Hospice Network, 440 Quadrangle Dr, Suite G, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 would be appreciated.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.
MARVIN A. SCHULGEN
Marvin A. Schulgen, age 87, of Lombard. Beloved husband of Mary Kay, nee Wisman; loving father of Kevin (Lauren Klein) Schulgen; devoted grandfather of Aubry and Braeden Schulgen; fond brother of Agnes (the late John) Schofield, the late Frank Smith, and the late Maryanne (the late Lauren) Schofield; uncle and great-uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Marv was born on the south side of Chicago, one of four children born to Francis and Rose Mary Schulgen. He entered the Franciscan Order in 1961 and became a Brother. In so doing, he also received his bachelor’s degree from Quincy College. He then worked at QC in the maintenance department and was a vital part of the building of the Franciscan Friary there. He eventually became Registrar and computer pro extraordinaire.
He met Mary Kay at Quincy College, when she worked for him. He made the difficult decision to leave the Franciscan Order and they married in 1971. They adopted their son, Kevin, in 1981. This past summer they celebrated 50 years of marriage.
He worked for several companies in IT in Quincy, Bloomington and Chicago. In Chicago he worked for Uniforms to You and then Sonnenschein Nath Law Firm for more than 20 years. located in Sears Tower. Working on the 77th floor, he used to love to tell the story of how he could feel the building swaying in the wind.
Marv was able to celebrate his birthday again this year with long-time Marriage Encounter friends and family. He served as a cantor for many area parishes. For years he was a member of the Diocesan Choir under Sister Joan Talbot. Need someone last minute, call Marv and he will be there and be prepared. Perhaps that gift came from his more than 12 years of scouting leadership of both cub and boy scouts in Troop 140 of St. Pius X Parish, Lombard. Who could forget summer camping at Camp Freeland-Leslie in Oxford, Wisconsin? For his consistent dedication to scouting he won high accolades, earning the St. George Award from the Diocese of Joliet.
He was an active member of the Lombard Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association for more than 20 years. You probably saw the man with the white beard on a street corner helping direct traffic for the Lilac Parade or for one of the other community events or helping the police protect the community after a storm
Every Thanksgiving and Christmas found him and Mary Kay making some casserole or dessert for the police force. Many times he included Sean, a great nephew, in delivering those goodies. This and his many other volunteer entities earned him the title of Lombard Senior-Man-of-the-Year, 2016.
He was an avid cyclist, biking long rides with friends Joe and Marianne from Lombard to places as far as 20-25 miles west of the village. He kept himself active and strong, which helped him fight this long heath crisis for more than 11 months.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 19. Memorials to Christ the King Catholic Church or Franciscan Charities, 3140 Meramec Street, St. Louis, MO 63118, are appreciated. For info: 630-932-1500 or www.knollcrest.net.
