Donald Bruce Chinlund

Donald Bruce Chinlund, 82, of Oakwood Hills, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2026. 

Born January 10, 1944, in Aurora, Illinois, to Marguerite and James Chinlund, Donald graduated from Maine East High School and attended Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1969. He went on to practice dentistry in Crystal Lake for 39 years, respected by colleagues and beloved by patients and staff alike for his excellence in both dentistry and education.

In 1995, Dr. Chinlund was one of the founding fathers of Excellence, The Study Club in Crystal Lake, and served as its president. The club was created to inspire fellow dentists to elevate their skills beyond the usual and customary, and it drew renowned experts from around the world to share the latest advances in dentistry. Over the years, he mentored countless professionals in the field, many of whom remain active members today. He was also a member of the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics and the American Equilibration Society, and an alumnus of the Pankey Institute and Dawson Dental Seminars.

Donald loved hockey and played recreationally from his thirties until the age of 71. He cherished watching his sons and grandchildren play hockey, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and wrestling. A nature lover, he enjoyed working in the yard, relaxing by his backyard lake, and all things astronomy. His greatest outdoor achievement was climbing Mount Rainier (14,410 feet) with his sons in 2000, at the age of 56. Devoted to dogs from an early age, he was never without at least one at home.

Donald was a man of integrity and principle, known for his kindness, generosity, and gentlemanly manners. Donald loved the Lord. He was a lifelong Christian and an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake (First Church). He was a role model to his children and grandchildren, as well as to coworkers and friends. He had a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh, was a bit of a prankster, and loved dishing out wisecracks. As Papacake, he was delightfully silly with his grandkids, always playing and kidding around with them — and they loved it!

Donald was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Joan; his sons, Michael (Shelli) and Gregory (Colleen), from his marriage to Janet Dubs; his stepsons, Justin (Karmen), Michael (Sara), and Joseph (Sarah) Serbinski; and his older brothers, Robert (Elizabeth) and Richard (Rena). A host of well-loved grandchildren will miss their beloved Papacake, including Briana (Alex), Lindsey (Theron), David, Gabriel, Shelby, Micah, Mariah, Elizabeth, Columcille, Brogan, Hannah, Claire, Conrad, Ryan, Sean, Jack, Kailyn, Danielle, Brady, and Delaney. He also leaves behind dear friends Doreen Quinlan, Robert Basile, and Gregory Kubik, among many others.

Friends and family are invited to his Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at First Church, 236 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., service will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by a luncheon at the church.

The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice and the caregivers of One Compassionate Care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Church Endowment Fund https://onrealm.org/firstchurchcl/-/form/give/now or the Alzheimer's Association act.alz.org .