Louis L. Thrasher

On March 29, 2020, Louis L. Thrasher (Lee), a long-time resident of Oak Park, passed away peacefully at the age of 72 at Northwest Community Hospital (Arlington Heights). Lee was predeceased by his beloved wife, Donna Thrasher, of 44 years, his children Michael Taylor and Pamela Karlovsky, and his brother John Thrasher.

Lee graduated from Valparaiso University in 1969 and began his career in accounting at Concordia University Chicago from 1969-1986, eventually serving as the university’s Controller. He also served on Concordia University Chicago’s Foundation Board and Investment Committee for many years. For his dedication and service, Lee received the Concordia University Chicago President’s Award in 1994. From 1986 until his retirement in 2018, Lee was a successful Investment Advisor with Wells Fargo.

Lee and Donna were avid bridge players and successfully competed in many duplicate bridge tournaments across the country. They also enjoyed live productions at Drury Lane Theater, and were avid fans of all Chicago sports teams. Above all, Lee and Donna enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren at the Thrasher’s home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin where they enjoyed swimming, fishing, boating and hosting large family dinners. Lee will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Lee is survived by his children Dan Taylor (Tanya), Tim Taylor (Deb), Jane Kuppler (Kevin), Barb Nelson (Steve), Jim Taylor (Jean), Jen Coyte (Chris); 16 grandchildren Dr. Bill Kyle (Tiffany), Dan Taylor Jr. (Mikayla), Carly Taylor, Dr. Michelle Knebelsberger (Doug), Victoria Taylor, Jacob Kuppler, Peter Kuppler (Anna), Eric Nelson, Jack Nelson, Matt Nelson, Lily Taylor, Charlie Taylor, Dylan Taylor, Sam Coyte, Ethan Coyte, Emma Coyte; 5 Great Grandchildren, Will Kyle, Landon Kyle, Ansleigh Kyle, Linkin Taylor, Nixsen Taylor; sister-in-law Peggy Thrasher, sister-in-law Pam Binder, and many Binder nieces and nephews.

A Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held at the Lutheran Home Chapel, 800 West Oakton, Arlington Heights at a future date. As per Lee’s wishes, the family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Concordia University Chicago for the Thrasher Endowment Fund.  Gifts can be mailed to Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, IL 60305 or made online at: cuchicago.edu/givenow.