Wallace Van Buren ’61

Wallace Van Buren passed away January 11, 2024. He was born in Roseland, Minnesota June 14, 1939. He graduated from Danube H. S. in 1957, received a B.A. degree from Hope College in 1961 and a Master’s Degree from Loyola University in Industrial Relations in 1969. Wallace was involved in local politics as a Commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Board of Westmont for 50 years, a Trustee for the Downers Grove Sanitary District from 1991, and President from 2013 until he passed. He represented Downers Grove on the Board of Illinois Association of Wastewater Agencies and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.
He was a member of Christ Church of Oak Brook since 1974, an Elder for several terms, member of the Choir and founding member of The Singing Men of Oak Brook. He volunteered as Youth Leader for mid-week meetings with his son’s groups and was involved with Indian Princesses with his daughter’s activities.
Wallace is survived by his wife, Adina, nee Yonan, who he married in 1961; his son, Erik (Daphne) Van Buren; daughter, Lisa (Brian) Lyght; and grandchildren, Caitlyn and Jacob Lyght, and Alyssa and Zachary Van Buren.