Roger Paldauf

Roger was born January 4, 1938 in Chicago to Helen (nee Brunn), and Carl Paldauf. He went to eternal rest February 6, 2016. He and his beloved wife, Betty Jean Voras Paldauf, were married 50 years ago in June. Roger was the loving father of Elizabeth (Mike) Albandia, and Sara (Rory Patterson) Manning. Papa Rog was adored by his grandchildren, Erin and Adrian.

Roger attended Steinmetz High School and Elmhurst College. While at Elmhurst he developed a love of theater and education. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in Speech. Dundee Junior High welcomed him as an English teacher soon after. During his career in District 300, he also taught at Dundee Community High School and Dundee-Crown High School. Along with running the theater department, Roger was active in the National Forensic League and coached the Speech, Debate, and Student Congress Teams while at both high schools. Roger retired from teaching in 1995. He continued to assist with coaching at both Dundee-Crown and Jacobs High Schools as well as other regional schools. Over his 34+ years as an educator and coach, he influenced countless young people.

After retiring, he found joy volunteering at the Heavenly Attic Resale Shop at the Congregational Church of Algonquin. His passion for organizing, cleaning up, decision making, and ordering people around were put to good use for a number of years. He and Betty have been members at the Congregational Church of Algonquin for 41 years.

Roger enjoyed making his yard a beautiful and tranquil spot for summer afternoons. The bushes, flower beds, pots, and handmade fountains kept him busy outside. When he was tired of puttering around, Roger and Betty would set off on a cruise together. Traveling to Norway, Alaska, and the Panama Canal were some of their favorite trips. Each fall, Roger’s daughter Liz counted on his help getting her classroom together and making bulletin boards. He faithfully stapled up paper and posters with her for 20 years. He had a special affinity for African Violets. His daughter Sara’s plants were always watered and pruned when Roger visited.

Roger and his little grandson, Adrian, spent time together running the electric train from Roger’s childhood. His granddaughter, Erin, enjoyed watching HGTV and American Pickers with Papa Rog. They will miss his silliness.

A Memorial Service is planned for 11a.m. Saturday, February 13, 2016, with fellowship time from 9a.m. until the time of the service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St., Algonquin.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Roger’s name may be made to the Memorial Fund of the Congregational Church of Algonquin.