Alan George Wellander

Alan George Wellander, 69, of Chicago, Illinois passed away suddenly at home on January 8, 2026.

Al was, first and fore-most, a hard worker. Mostly self-trained, Al worked in so many trades over the years: as a painter, carpenter, woodworker, tile-worker, car fixer-upper, and more. Just about anything Al could figure out how to do, he did with excellence and a strong work ethic. Vacation time? Personal days? Not in Al's vocabulary.

But Al LOVED to have fun, too! Heading out on Lake Michigan, or Wisconsin's Lake Puckaway, or actually ANY body of water to fish, going to a Cubs game, concerts at Ravinia or local venues, trying new restaurants (the Avondale Tap on Belmont became a favorite), Super Bowl parties and playing pool with pals, or playing in softball leagues made him a happy guy. Flirting with the ladies made him a VERY happy guy! But he was truly in his element figuring out how to fix something up and make it look and work beautifully.

Al's goofy sense of humor and loyalty to family, life-long friends and neighbors will always be remembered and appreciated. He never even considered moving from his little bungalow on Kildare Avenue. He always spoke so highly of how kind and helpful his neighbors were over the thirty-five years he lived there.

He was a Chicago guy, through and through. He loved the Cubs and Bears, always hoping this THIS year would be the one for them to go all the way. Well, when the Cubs won the World Series in 2016, Al was on Cloud 9, 10, and 11 driving with family down Addison Street, cheering along with the ecstatic crowds. Maybe we have a little heavenly edge this year?!

Alan is survived by his daughter, Ciara Wells, his brother Tom Wellander (Pam), his sister Barbara Rivera (Michael Hegel), nephews Josh Rivera (Chantal), Jake Rivera, and Zachary Rivera and nieces Hayley Wellander and Morgan Wellander. Al's beloved mother, Joan Wellander Kleppe, 90, preceded him in death in 2015. "Ma" is lovingly welcoming her son home with fried lake perch, au gratin potatoes, her famous Parker House rolls, and fresh apple pie. Topped off with a root beer float. They're already fishing off the pier together.

A celebration of life luncheon is planned at a later date at Al's favorite restaurant, La Villa in Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite animal shelter. Al loved dogs all his life and would be happy knowing they are being helped.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL