Longtime advocate of St. Charles soccer

Larry Michael Windland compiled a 35-year career as a medical researcher with the pharmaceutical company, Merck & Co., including winning awards for his investigation into hypertension.

But those who knew him in St. Charles, say he saved his best work for the soccer field.

Mr. Windland died Oct. 3. The longtime St. Charles resident was 64.

"It's a shock and a huge loss, not only to Tri-Cities (Soccer Association)," says Stuart Samuels, "but to the entire community."

Mr. Windland began volunteering for the Tri-Cities Soccer Association shortly after it formed in 1977.

The all-volunteer organization serves young soccer players and their families in the Fox Valley, and is co-sponsored by the Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and South Elgin park districts.

It serves just under 5,000 children, making it the largest independent recreational and traveling soccer organization in Northern Illinois.

Officials with the organization credit Mr. Windland with helping to advance its growth and high standards.

"He had started when his own children started playing, but he stayed on long after they finished," Samuels says. "His desire was to stay involved in whatever capacity he was needed.

"Every organization should have someone as committed to helping the children, as he was," he added.

Mr. Windland was a sitting board member at the time of his passing, serving as equipment manager. But he also refereed games on the field, and was a past commissioner.

Mr. Windland is survived by his wife of 35 years, Susan, as well as three children, including: Mark (Loretta) of Westminster, Colo.; Lauren Windland of St. Charles, and Matthew, of Chicago; and one granddaughter.

Visitation for Mr. Windland will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main St. in St. Charles, before a 10:30 a.m. graveside service Monday, at Garfield Cemetery, located at Garfield Road and Route 38 in Geneva.