Shaun E. Reynolds, 22, of Villa Park, who twice endured kidney transplants before declining further surgeries, died in his home Sunday, Aug. 5. “His doctor and the staff at Children’s Memorial Hospital told him he was the bravest person they had ever met,” said his mother, Linda. Mr. Reynolds was born in Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and from the age of 9 months had been a patient at Children’s Memorial Hospital. Mr. Reynolds graduated from Emerson Elementary School in Wheaton and Westmont High School. “He made the decision a week ago and knew what he was doing,” his mother said. A fan of motor racing, Mr. Reynolds was at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, the day before the Brickyard 400, where the owners provided a pit pass that allowed him to meet several of his heroes. “He had met Jeff Gordon Jr. and wanted to meet Dale Earnhardt Jr.,” his mother said. “He was at a press conference for John Andretti when Earnhardt walked in. They spoke for a while, Andretti walked over and gave Shaun his hat and Earnhardt autographed the hat Shaun was wearing.” Mr. Reynolds told his parents that he prayed for a bit more time after reaching his decision, “but by Saturday he knew. He couldn’t have had a more perfect day,” his mother said. Mr. Reynolds also is survived by his father, Richard; a brother, Christopher; and his grandparents, Edward and Arleen Schulz. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in Steuerle Funeral Home, 350 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park, and from 9 until services at 10 a.m. Thursday in Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park.
