Douglas J. Phalen, June 10, 1964 – July 11, 2006. Doug passed Tuesday, July 11, 2006, after a year-long battle with cancer. Doug was born to Donald and Marceline Phalen of Beecher, IL, formerly of Riverdale, IL. He was raised along with his five brothers and two sisters in Queen of Apostles parish. He graduated from Northern Illinois University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy. Doug was a compassionate caregiver who dedicated the last years of his career to special needs children in the Lincolnway Area Special Education District 843. In his short but wonderful life, Doug was blessed with a large family and many friends who loved him dearly. He married Donna Ligon of Plainfield, IL, in September of 1993 and settled in Mokena, IL, where they had three children. Doug was a loving husband and devoted father who spent his free time coaching his children’s basketball, baseball and football teams. He will be remembered for his genuine laugh, sense of humor, love of sports, kinship with his friends, commitment to his faith, devotion to his family and the courage with which he fought cancer. Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; three children: Joshua, Eric and Anne; his parents, Donald and Marceline Phalen; his siblings, David (Melanie) Phalen, Marcia (Gary) Lilly, Mark (Sandie) Phalen, Dan (Laurie) Phalen, Mike (Sandie) Phalen, Donna (Chris) King, Don (Rose) Phalen; as well as three godchildren: Zachary Lilly, Jessica King and Ella Phalen; and numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends at the Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423, on Thursday, July 13, 2006, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Funeral services on Friday, July 14, 2006, with a Prayer Service at 9:15 a.m., in the funeral home chapel following to St. Mary’s Church in Mokena for Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mokena. Donations may be directed to “Friends of the Phalens” would be appreciated, c/o Heritage Bank, 20201 S. LaGrange Rd., Frankfort, IL 60423.
