We are saddened to share that Roger Templeton, 81, passed away on May 4, 2025.

He was born in Berwyn, IL to Allan J. Templeton and Margaret Meger Templeton. He moved to LaGrange Park as a young boy and lived in the surrounding area for most of his life.

As a kid, he delivered the local newspaper by bicycle and worked at the IGA grocery store. He later married Jan Rizzo, and they had four children, Chris, Steve, Peter and Jeff.

He worked for years as a paper salesman, eventually owning a small paper brokerage in the area and a converting plant in Toronto, Canada. He discovered a love for antiques and collectibles of all sorts. If you knew him, he undoubtedly showed you his music boxes from the 18th century, hand-carved antique pieces, thousands of walking sticks, duck decoys and an immense collection of taxidermy. Probably several times. His booth at antique shows was always beautifully curated with unique and interesting finds.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 10 years ago and he owned his illness, becoming very involved in local support and exercise groups. Parkinson's slowed his physical abilities and made it challenging for him to get around. But it never suppressed his sense of humor or his determination to be a part of every social event, spend time with his friends and family, or tinker around in his workshop refinishing a piece of furniture.

Roger truly appreciated the simple things in life: a walk in the woods, a good joke, the craftsmanship that went into an antique box, a (3-hour) shopping trip to Trader Joe's or Menard's, the patience and detail that went into carving a decoy by hand from a block of wood, fishing with his kids or friends, and just sitting outside to feel the warmth of the sun on a beautiful day.

He is survived by Jan, his children, their spouses and partners, and his grandchildren, Madison and Melissa, his sisters, Diane Bulkeley, Linda O'Grady, Sherri (John) Byrne, several nieces and nephews, his cat, Daisy, and countless friends from every walk of life, all of whom will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Contributions can be made in his memory to the Parkinson's Foundation or the Nature Conservancy.