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June Ploen Obituary

Our beloved Mom and Mum-Mum, June L. Ploen (nee Schmid), age 87, died February 7, 2017 in Greensboro, NC due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. Loving wife of James S. Ploen (deceased) and Stephen A. Altmayer (deceased). Cherished mother of Jim Ploen (Cristina), Linda Malone (Joe), Karen Roer (Charlie) and Bob Ploen (Mary). Proud Mum-Mum to Joey, Sam, Carolyn and Charlie Malone; Griffin, Phoebe, Liddy and Evan Roer; and Gracie, Erin and Brendan Ploen. Predeceased by her sister Geri Beyer, brothers Tony and George Schmid, and parents Violet and Anton Schmid. A 1947 graduate of Taft High School (Chicago) and a 1951 graduate of Northern Illinois State Teachers College (DeKalb), June began her teaching career in Fairbanks, Alaska. She spent her summer months as a stewardess for Wien Alaska Airways where she delighted in flying to Eskimo villages above the Arctic circle. After her return to the Chicago area, June taught 1st grade at Lyon School in Glenview for 23 years. She had an unwavering passion for teaching and inspired the hearts and minds of hundreds of students. June was well known for her school musicals which she wrote, produced and directed. Throughout her life, June's insatiable curiosity led her on adventures to scores of countries and 49 of the United States. She shared her loves of teaching and travel with her grandchildren through countless games and songs at the kitchen table, masterfully planned scavenger hunts in the backyard, family reunion trips around the country, and stories and memorabilia from around the world. Family and friends will carry with them June's adventurous spirit and relentless optimism that allowed her to weather even the rainiest days with gratitude and grace. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 on June 3, 2017 at Glenview Community Church, with a luncheon to follow. Donations in memory of June Ploen Altmayer may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) Online condolences are available at www.legacy.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune from Feb. 19 to Feb. 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for June Ploen

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Betty Vermillion

November 13, 2017

Thoughts and prayers to my childhood friend. May she rest in peace.

Betty Vermillion

November 13, 2017

My thoughts and prayers to you my childhood friend. May you rest in peace.

May 28, 2017

Jim, Linda, Karen & Bob,
It is so sad to learn of the passing of your mother. She was truly special. While June is off to heaven and her pain has been relieved, you and your clan all are feeling the pain of her loss and we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

I will "ring the bell" at the head of your driveway on Swainwood in tribute and dream of simpler times and being reunited with your mother again one day.

Regrettably, I will be unable to attend the memorial service in person, but will have you all in my heart and will be there in spirit. Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.
Sympathetically,
Bob Windler & The Windler Family

March 7, 2017

Dear Jim, Linda, Karen and Bob,
Bill and I would like to send our condolences to the loss of such a loving, caring, enthusiastic, inspirational, quick wit, neighbor, friend, Mother.
Her example of how she lived her life and how she treated little people and big people was the roll model for me. June made going to school an adventure. Your house was always open to little people who might want to stop by for a gum ball with a ring of a school bell your parents would hear as they opened the door to the porch.When June moved from Swainwood she gave me the school bell which I have on my mudroom door so I can hear the ring when my grandchildren come over for a visit and a lollipop. When June would return from some of her worldly travels she would drop off a little ornament for our children and our Christmas tree. Your mother had so much enthusiasm for life and kindness.
I have passed this beautiful story of June to friends and neighbors. Bill and I look forward to seeing all of you on June 3.

Debbie Shefren

February 23, 2017

Dear Jim, Linda, Karen and Bob,
I had the privilege of teaching with June at Lyon School for many years. I was on her first grade team. She was such an amazing, creative, positive teacher! Always had a can do attitude and high expectations for all her students and her team mates. We had so much fun doing her Halloween Play and pretend trips to different countries where she would transform her classroom into rain forests and Japanese tea rooms. June loved adventures and we all learned so much from her!
Thinking of all of you at this sad time,
Debbie Shefren

Addy Ford

February 21, 2017

Dear Jim, Linda, Karen and Bob,

My deepest condolences at the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this time.

Mary Stump

February 20, 2017

Dear Jim, Linda, Karen and Bob

Your mom was such a great person. All the #34 teachers loved her dedication, humor and talent. Besides all the great shows, we couldn't wait to fly to a new country with our passpairts using the plane in the hallway. She was also a true friend, and her stories about the four of you got me through many a teenage year with my own children.
I knew her as a friend, a colleague and as the teacher of my children. I know how much you loved and appreciated her.
Mary Stump

February 19, 2017

Dear Jim, Linda, Karen and Bob...I am so sorry to hear about this dynamic woman's passing. She is so very special to all the Windler's in so many different ways. Oodle's and oodle's of fabulous memories from babysitting for you guys (got my best rate from your parents) to The Swainwood Sparkler's, she hosted bridal showers and parties galore. Such a creative, beautiful, hysterical woman. But my ears can still hear the "Bell" ringing calling all Ploen's home for dinner. My prayers are with you and your families at this sad time. Beautiful picture of her made me smile and cry at the same time.
Love, Amy Windler

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Memorial Events
for June Ploen

Jun

3

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Glenview Community Church

IL

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