Lane W. Hunter

Lane William Hunter, 73, of Aurora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, at the hospital with family at his side.
Born on June 23, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, Lane was the son of Robert Hunter and Mattie Lee (Thomas) Hunter. Raised in Worth, Lane graduated from Harold L. Richards High School in 1970. He went on to attend Elmhurst College and later graduated from Trinity College.
In 1972, Lane began working for Stone Container, where his father was a supervisor. Over the years, as the company transitioned through acquisitions to become Smurfit Stone, Lane remained a loyal and driven employee. Through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his colleagues, he rose through the ranks to become Senior Vice President. Lane was known not only for his work ethic but for his deep respect for everyone he worked with - from janitors to management. His former coworkers often reached out years later to thank him for the positive impact he had on their lives and careers.
Lane's faith in God was the cornerstone of his life. As an active member of Community Christian Church, he felt a strong calling to help others find their way back to God. He often said he had been given more time for that very purpose, and he lived every day with gratitude and faith.
Though Lane battled many health struggles over multiple decades, he faced them with courage, grace, and unwavering strength. He was never bitter, and his persistence through hardship was both admirable and inspiring. His family lovingly called him their "Energizer Bunny," as he continually defied the odds with quiet determination and a steadfast spirit.
Lane was a man of quiet strength and compassion. Though an introvert by nature, he loved people and valued the connections he made throughout his life. He appreciated how social media allowed him to reconnect with old friends and stay close to the people he cared about. He also had a wonderful sense of humor - always ready with a witty comment, a playful prank, or a silly nickname for the people he loved.
Lane loved traveling, especially anywhere near the ocean. He was a lifelong Cubs fan and was overjoyed to see them win the 2016 World Series - an experience he relished through a live stream. Music was another great love of his; he never passed up an opportunity to attend a live show or discover a new band. A voracious reader and keen observer of politics and current events, Lane was deeply thoughtful and always engaged with the world around him.
Lane's favorite time of year was Christmas. He loved everything about it - from celebrating the birth of Jesus, music and decorations to the spirit of giving. He especially loved playing Santa to his children and grandchildren, delighting in the joy and laughter that filled their home during the holidays.
Above all, Lane's heart belonged to his family and his faith. His love for Deb, his children, and grandchildren was unconditional and ever-present. He was overjoyed to welcome his first grandchild, Maleia, in 1999 and held this same joy through the additions of each grandchild that followed. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and steadfast belief in the goodness of others.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Deborah Hunter; his children, Jason Hunter, Michelle Byrd, and Lindsay (Eric) Sommers; and his cherished grandchildren, Maleia Byrd, Mekhi Byrd, Oliver Sommers, Ryleigh Sommers, and Hunter Sommers.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Robert and Mattie Lee (Thomas) Hunter; Father and Mother in Law, Bliss and Margaret Routh; his brother, Ken Hunter; his granddaughter, Miana Byrd; his nephew Thomas Slawson, and his sister-in-law, Pam (Larry) Mithelman. He is also survived by his sister; Marcia (Bill) Szabo, Sister in Law; Sandy (Larry) Boeshart as well as many nieces, nephews, a great-nephew, and numerous close friends and extended family who will miss him dearly.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, 1:00- 5:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville.
A celebration of Lane's life will be held on Monday, October 27, 10:00 AM at the funeral home. The service will be live-streamed below.
Interment will follow at Naperville Cemetery, Naperville.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lane's memory may be made to:
Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 388-5000, https://www.communitychristian.org/locations/naperville
or
Autism Society of the Quad Cities, P. O. Box 472, Bettendorf, IA 52722, (563)386-6359, https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/autism-society-of-the-quad-cities
For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrichjones.com
For those who are unable to attend in person the service will be live-streamed. In the event of technical difficulties during the live-stream a recording of the service will be available afterwards.