Donald John Darkes

Donald John Darkes, 82, of Schaumburg, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born January 26, 1944, in Chicago, IL.
From a young age, Don was curious about how things worked. This lifelong fascination began with the intricate electrical circuitry of his model trains—a hobby that followed him throughout his life. It was common to find Don sketching quick drawings of circuits on the backs of napkins or soldering a circuit board. He spoke fondly of days spent in the railroad switch towers, mesmerized by the heavy mechanics of the tracks. As a young man, Don earned his pilot's license and learned to fly Cessnas and Mooneys which cultivated a lifelong love of aviation.
In 1991, Don channeled his expertise as an electrician and his natural handiness into the creation of his business, Chicagoland Sales and Service. For 35 years, he poured his soul into his work. To Don, the business was about the joy of helping his customers who trusted his work ethic and honest heart.
Music was the constant soundtrack to Don's life. Whether it was playing the tenor saxophone in his high school band or befriending the organist at the Hub Roller Rink, he found rhythm in everything. He was known to sit in his car, refusing to go inside until he had finished "conducting" a favorite song on the radio, and he took great pride in being the loudest Protestant voice at Catholic Mass.
To his family, Don was a teacher and a storyteller. He taught his children his passions, making sure they could properly use tools and identify aircraft at a glance. He regaled them with tales of his business, his travels, and the many adventures that shaped him. He approached every obstacle with his characteristic tenacity, but he always led with his heart. Don was a deeply sentimental and loyal man who made those he cared for feel safe and protected. His love was found in the details: a surprise bouquet of flowers for his wife or "Mickey pancakes" flipped perfectly for his grandchildren. He was a lover of a good cheesecake, a hot cup of Dunkin' coffee, and above all, his family. Don leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, service, and love.
Don was the beloved husband of 46 years of Karen (nee Labuda); loving father of Kimberly (Raymond) Kotty and Christopher Darkes; proud papa to James and Cora Kotty; brother-in-law to Donna (Larry) Petrusha; and uncle to Kathy Hale and Peggy Wunderle. Preceded in death by his parents Gus (Arkoudakis) Darkes and Stella (nee Daley) Kledzik; and his sister Joan Palace.
A memorial service is planned for Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Meadows Funeral Home, 3615 Kirchoff Rd., Rolling Meadows with a visitation from 10:00 am until time of service 12:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution in Don's name to Albert's Dog Lounge, N7285 Woodfield Lane, Whitewater, WI 53190 (https://www.albertsdoglounge.org/how-to-donate).
Information (847)253-0224 or [email protected]