NORBERT LUND

Norbert Lund, age 95, of Elburn, passed away peacefully, buoyed by the love and prayers of his family, Monday, July 10, 2023.

He was born May 26, 1928, in Chicago, IL, to loving parents, Norman and Lucy Lund.

Norbert grew up in Chicago until the 8^th grade when the family moved to a dairy farm in the La Fox area where his dad worked as a hired man.

Norbert graduated from Elburn High School with the class of 1946, where he played basketball, track and Legion baseball.

Norbert Lund spent several years sitting behind Cecelia Gum in high school, but she quickly became front and center in his heart. After graduation and just before Norbert was drafted into U.S. Army, they were united in marriage on December 30, 1950. That blessed day began a marriage that would last 70 years and encompass a lifetime of love, laughter, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Norbert served in Pusan, Korea, and by the time he returned to civilian life, he had carpentry and heavy equipment operator experience, but far more important, Norbert came home to his blushing bride.

They made their home in Three Oaks, MI where Norbert’s parents resided, and began raising a family. Dauberman Road in Kaneville became home for a time before moving to the Chrissman Farm. In 1961, they let their roots begin to grow in Lily Lake where they made their home, farmed and worked other jobs until 1988. He and Cecelia moved to Sycamore, but Norbert continued to work for Acton Mobile Industries until his “retirement” in 1993. Norbert didn’t know the definition of the word, so he continued to work part time to keep him out of mischief, the end result of which was dubious at best.    

Norbert was an immensely proud member of the Elburn American Legion, Post 630, the Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission where he served as the Recording Secretary for thirty years, a faithful member of St. Gall Catholic Church, and had fun with Cecelia at the Kane County Couples Club. He also coached Lily Lake Little League baseball for ten years.   

Norbert loved to carry the American flag on Memorial Day and Annual Elburn Days Parade for decades. He and Cecelia were honored to be the Grand Marshall of the parade in 2017. They also both loved to dote on the floral art and décor of a well-loved garden while living in Sycamore, and as Cecelia’s health declined, Norbert dedicated his all to her care. Being tall and strong, Norbert was often called upon to help his children and friends to move, rototill a myriad of gardens, build all sorts of projects and he never missed an opportunity to attend the sporting events and concerts of his grandchildren. His appetite was legendary; nothing was safe when his stomach was rumbling.  He was man of few words, but when he spoke, you listened. He never demanded respect, but it was freely given from everyone he met. He was a great organizer of people, bringing together all of his cousins for an annual family reunion. Norbert was an institution whose steadfast presence was felt in all aspects of his community. His loss is immense, but his impact is immeasurable.

He now leaves 6 children: Elizabeth (Christopher) Baldwin, Mark (Christine) Lund, Christine Lund, Sarah (Douglas) Vander Waal, Barbara (Matthew) Whalen and Paul (Barbara) Lund; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; one sister, Dolores Smith; many nieces, nephews and a community of friends.

He joyfully joins his beloved Cecelia, his parents, Norman and Lucy Lund, and one brother, Thomas Lund who preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Monday, July 17, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Additional visitation will be available from 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2023, with Mass to follow at 11 a.m., at St. Gall Catholic Church, 43W885 Hughes Rd, Elburn. Interment will follow at Blackberry Twp. Cemetery, Elburn.

Memorial donations may be made to the Veteran’s Assistance Commission of Kane County INC, 719 S. Batavia Avenue, Building A, Room 104  Geneva, IL 60134-3077.  Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook page or at www.conleycare.com.