Obituary of Aleksander Wastalu DR

Dr. Aleksander Wastalu Age 76. Suddenly Thursday, May 21, 2009 at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, IL with his family by his side. Aleksander was able to live the American Dream. Born in Tallinn Estonia, he came to the United States after the Russians took over his homeland. When the Russians invaded, his family was forced to flee to Germany where they lived as displaced persons for four years. He was eighteen when they arrived in the U.S. and supported his family by working in a factory while his father completed his medical internship. When his father began practicing medicine, he applied and was accepted to Iowa Wesleyan College. After graduation, he went to medical school at the University of Chicago. He did residencies at Evanston Hospital and the University of Iowa, spent three years in the Air Force in Alaska, and practiced Internal medicine with the Joliet Medical Group from 1966 until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. Preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Aleksander and Rita (nee Simastel) Wastalu; one brother, Werner (Annie) Indermitte; and one sister, Marga Dukurs. Survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Carla (nee Kuehn) Wastalu of Joliet; five daughters, Eva (David) Stobbe of Joliet, Dr. Laura (Dr. James) Kalshoven of Seabrook, MD, Dr. Marga (Dr. John Edwards) Wastalu-Edwards of Sugar Hill, GA, Dr. Stephanie (Dr. Robert) Swords of Springfield, MO and Amy (Ken) Witz of Elgin, IL; 15 grandchildren, Danielle (fiancé Joseph Rodriguez) Stobbe, "Davey" and Aleks Stobbe; Josephine, Julia, Jason and Lydia Kalshoven; Aleksandra "Leksi" and John Carl Edwards; Annelise, Megana, Lara and Elizabeth Swords; "Sam" and Shea Witz; one great-granddaughter, Teresa Rodriguez; one niece, Vivianne (Terry) Sayers; one nephew, Edward (Connie) Indermitte; his brother-in-law, John Kuehn; and many members of the Marlys Reardon Family also survive. Funeral Services for Dr. Aleksander Wastalu will be Sunday, May 24, 2009 at Faith Lutheran Church, 353 N. Midland Avenue, Joliet where his final earthly remains will Lie in State from 1:00 p.m. until time of services at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Jane Perkolup officiating. Private interment Tuesday at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Faith Lutheran Church General Fund or Leeza's Place, 113 Republic Avenue, Joliet, IL 60435 would be appreciated. Visitation Saturday 1-5 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500