Calvin B. Thelin 1929-2021

Cal Thelin, attorney and resident of Batavia, passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, after Thanksgiving weekend spent with grandchildren and family. He was 92.

Born and raised in Oak Park, IL, Cal graduated from Colgate University. During the Korean War he served as a Navy staff legal officer aboard the USS Kearsarge. In 1957 he graduated from Northwestern School of Law. While a law student Cal met his future wife, Helen R. Lewis, and married her just before graduation. They were married 64 years.

After law school Cal joined the firm of Petersen and Goldsmith in Aurora, IL which eventually became Goldsmith, Thelin, Schiller and Dickson. Cal and Helen moved to Aurora and later settled in Batavia. They raised three daughters, Louise (Robert) Atac, Elizabeth (John) Zinser, and Eleanor (Matthew) Novak.

With his entrepreneurial spirit, Cal assisted in the formation of the Aurora Civic Authority and Paramount Arts Center and was a founder of the Batavia Park District. He was active in commercial real estate and developed several residential subdivisions, including beloved Horseshoe Drive.

Among his community involvements, Cal served on the Aurora University Board of Directors and was a member of the Aurora Lions Club and Congregational Church of Batavia. He enjoyed world travel, gardening, conversation, and swimming in the Quarry Pool.

Cal is survived by his wife, Helen, three daughters, and six grandchildren: Claire Zinser, Sarah Atac, Ben Zinser, Sam Atac, Peter Novak, and Addy Novak. His calming influence, dry humor, and wisdom will be greatly missed.