Ian David Vilkama

Ian David Vilkama of Wheaton, Illinois passed away in a tragic accident on July 14, 2023 at the age of 21. 

He is deeply mourned by his parents, Paula and David, his dearest siblings Sebastian and Penelope, and the love of his life Lily Mouw. 

Ian was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Paula and David Vilkama on June 17, 2002. He always shared his boundless optimism, zest for life, and contagious energy with everybody around him. Ian was a proud Bronco student-athlete at Western Michigan University, pursuing a Marketing degree at the Haworth College of Business. Ian's passions included golf, hockey, weightlifting, music, and organizing sauna parties for friends and neighbors. Many of his best sports years were spent playing left wing on the Glenbard Hockey and Western Michigan University Club Hockey teams. Most recently, Ian became obsessed with golf, playing almost daily rounds with his brother, sister, father, friends, classmates, or teammates on the Western Michigan Club Golf team. Unknown to many except his close family, sculpture and pottery were additional pursuits Ian enjoyed and excelled at. Lastly, Ian was very fond of traveling the world with his family. Some of his most favorite memories were created on holidays to Europe and road trips across North America.

He is survived by his parents, Paula and David, his younger siblings Sebastian and Penelope, grandfather Esa Vilkama, aunts and uncles Leila (Geoff) Godfrey, Lisa (Michael) Kuopus, Sara Hill, Jana (Chad) Mattila, Rita (Harley) Lang, Eric (Nina) Hill, Peter (Susan) Hill, Tina (Carl) Hoikka, Michael (Emily) Hill, Hannah (Brian) Jurmu, Thomas (Megan) Vilkama, Diana Vilkama, Philip Vilkama, numerous cousins, and his Glenbard West High School and Western Michigan University classmates.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother Pirjo (Poytakangas) Hill, his grandfather Kenneth Hill, grandmother Anne (Phillips) Vilkama, and uncle John Hill.

A visitation for Ian will be held on Saturday, July 22 at Leonard Memorial Funeral home in Glen Ellyn from 10am-2pm, followed by a celebration of life and picnic from 2-6pm at Ackerman Sports Center @ 800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn. Ian always loved a fun themed party - as such, the family kindly asks that everyone wear casual summer picnic wear or bright and colorful country club attire in his memory. 

In memory of Ian and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made via check/cash/Venmo to the Western Michigan University Club Golf team.