DAVE ROYER

Dave Royer, age 77, of Elburn, passed away into the arms of his Savior, Thursday, September 7, 2023.

He was born June 16, 1946, in Oak Park, IL, to proud and loving parents, Charles and Jeanne Royer.

Dave grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL, and attended local schools. He graduated from Glenbard West High School with the class of 1965. Dave answered the call of his country and enlisted with the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He returned to civilian life following an honorable discharge and continued his education at the College of DuPage. Dave then embarked on a 35-year career working as a civil engineer for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation. Retirement didn’t mean “quit”, so Dave received his CDL and drove grain trucks for Kurt Meredith for over ten years.

Dave met the love of his life at a friend’s house where Mary Thomas caught more than his eye, she captured his heart. They were united in marriage on November 13, 1976. They began their new life together in St. Charles for a year and a half while laboring to build their own house in Elburn. That house became a home throughout the years and welcomed home two children and thousands of memories.

Dave was a proud member of the Sons of the Revolution and a faithful member of the Community Congregational Church of Elburn for many years.  That building was a canvas on which Dave made his mark on almost every inch, cleaning, maintaining, and replacing anything that was out of sorts. A handyman at heart, Dave was a jack of all trades and was proud of the improvements and upkeep that came straight from his heart. He was also a long-time member of the coffee club at the Kountry Kettle and later McDonalds before the pandemic hit, spending hours fixing the world’s problems without having a single drop of coffee because he never liked it.

Dave loved to travel alongside Mary and they boasted of having seen 6 out of the 7 wonders of the world. He was also just one leg short of being able to say he literally travelled around the world. His time at home was spent in appreciation of the home he built, and the brick driveway he installed by hand. There was nothing that made him happier than to tinker, paint and fix every nook and cranny until it was not just perfect but perfect according to Dave. His friends and the community at large also benefited from Dave’s handiwork and generous heart. He enjoyed sailing Rock Cut State Park in Winnebago County, but the most perfect trip was sailing into the heart of his granddaughter Kate who quickly became the apple of his eye.

He now leaves his loving wife of 46 years, Mary Royer; two children: Christina (Steven) Luxbacher, their daughter, Kaitlyn, and Timothy (Jennifer) Royer; one brother, Steven Royer; several nieces, nephews and a community full of friends.

He now joins his parents, Charles and Jeanne Royer and Charles’ special friend, Lillian Campbell who preceded him in death.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 12-2 p.m. with a funeral service to celebrate his life to follow at 2 p.m., at the Community Congregational Church of Elburn, 100 E. Shannon St, Elburn. Private family burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dave’s memory can be sent to the Community Congregational Church, 100 E. Shannon St., Elburn, IL 60119. Memories and tributes may be left on Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 12-2 p.m. with a funeral service to celebrate his life to follow at 2 p.m., at the Community Congregational Church of Elburn, 100 E. Shannon St, Elburn. Private family burial will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dave’s memory can be sent to the Community Congregational Church, 100 E. Shannon St., Elburn, IL 60119. Memories and tributes may be left on Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.