Dean T. Sanderlin

Dean Thomas Sanderlin, age 61, who resided in Zion, Illinois with his longtime companion, Anne (Slevin), passed suddenly to the next step of his journey on Friday, May 22, 2015, from an apparent heart attack. He had several medical issues over the last few years.

Dean was born on August 20, 1953 in Waukegan, Illinois to the late Donald Eugene Sanderlin and the late Ruth Olive Sanderlin (Pease), as the youngest of four children. His older siblings are two dear brothers, Gene (Yoko) and Ron (Cheryl) Sanderlin, and his loving sister Karen (Jack) Dietrich. He also leaves three sons, Scott (30), Kristoffer (28), and Michael (26), by his now deceased former wife, Marjorie Sorenson (Miulan Samuelson), and three grandchildren. He also had several nieces and nephews, as well as cousins, and was proud to have Doris Paugel as his aunt. He also leaves behind his favorite cat – TC (Topcat), who enjoyed getting neck scratches and drinking out of Dean’s water glass rather than his own water dish. He was predeceased by his loyal canine companion, Violet, who brought him much joy during their time together.

He was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waukegan on October 23, 1960. Residing in Waukegan for many years, he moved with his family to Nokomis, Florida for a few years, where he attended and graduated from Venice High School, and attended the University of Florida, before returning to Waukegan, Illinois, and then later moving to Zion. He worked for Pace Communication in Waukegan for several years, and also resided in Gillette, Wyoming for a short time, where two of his sons (Scott and Michael) still live, while his second son (Kristoffer) lives in Montana. He drove a taxi for many years in Waukegan and Zion, which fit nicely into his “night owl” schedule.

One of his proudest achievements was his Amateur Radio License(N9ILO), and in 2011, completing the ground instruction for the Private Pilot Airplane aeronautical knowledge test, although medical issues prevented him from receiving the in-flight instruction required for licensing. He was an avid music lover, and insisted on music being played at all times at home and in the car. He was a novice “self-taught” guitarist, and enjoyed practicing when he could. Dean and Anne attended all of the Styx or Cheap Trick concerts in the area, and was an avid fan of Pink Floyd.

He was a “man of few words”, according to his own self-assessment, but felt deeply about many issues, although not always expressed to a wide circle of family or friends. He was a sensitive soul and held spiritual beliefs that he shared with only a few. He had a sense of humor that could be “dry” or witty, and enjoyed making people laugh.

His companion, Anne, was deeply touched by Dean through the years they were together, and will remember a “good man”, who had a good heart and soul. Their time together taught each of them that there can be a great difference in personalities, but that there can also be a strong bond that will never be broken. Anne wishes that he is now surrounded by his loved ones that have made the journey before him, and is happy and at peace with his legacy.

A private memorial service will be held in several weeks for the immediate family, and he wished to be a “tissue donor” and cremated. No flowers or donations are requested.

He will be missed by all that knew him, but will remain in our hearts forever.