Estalee DeCou

Estalee DeCou, nee Van Sickle, age 89 of Naperville, IL, passed away unexpectedly in her home on September 13, 2025. She was born on Easter Sunday April 12, 1936 in Okmulgee, OK to Clyde and Alice Van Sickle who preceded her in death.
Estalee was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Frank DeCou. She is survived by her loving children, Teresa (Glen) Greenberg, Don (Gina) DeCou, and Kim (Joe) Sterr; her cherished grandchildren, Sammy, Lily, Charlotte, Camilla, Shawna, Chris, Derrick, Roe, Tiffany, and Mark and her great-grandchildren, Zayden and Gio.
Estalee grew up in Little Rock, AR before moving to Manhattan, KS, where her father served as a coach for the Kansas State University football team. She attended Manhattan High School and Kansas State University. While in college she worked in the Entomology Department where she learned a love for insects and big spiders. She graduated Kansas State with a degree in Home Economics and Journalism. She loved journalism and served as an editorial assistant for Household Magazine (Topeka). She also penned many feature articles for area newspapers covering current events.
It was in Manhattan, KS that she met Donald Frank DeCou Jr. while singing in the Manhattan Methodist Church choir. They were married at her grandparents house in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on Easter Sunday April 21st 1957. While living in Manhattan, KS, Estalee and Frank had their first child, Teresa. They then moved to Milwaukee, WI where they added to the family with the birth of Don and Kim.
The family then moved to Redding, CT. In Redding, she was a member of Long Ridge Methodist Church and worked as a secretary at Zions Hill United Methodist Church. She also became a reluctant beekeeper and supplied all visitors with her own special honey. Estalee and Frank moved to Naperville, IL in 1988 where she was active at Plainfield United Methodist Church. She enjoyed spending time with friends on day trips and weekend adventures.
Her life was dedicated to her family. She was her children's biggest cheerleader. She attended countless sporting events and musical performances. Estalee had an infectious smile and sweet southern charm that allowed her to make friends wherever she lived. She enjoyed reading and loved all animals.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Plainfield United Methodist Church Memorial Fund in Estalee's name.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 9:00-11:00 AM at Plainfield United Methodist Church, 15144 S. Illinois St., Plainfield. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 AM at the church. A private family interment will be at Plainfield Township Cemetery, Plainfield.
Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Plainfield, was entrusted with arrangements.