Byron J. Prais

Byron J. Prais, a life long resident of Lake Bluff and Lake Forest, peacefully passed away on January 23, 2020 at the age of 83, surrounded by his family. Byron was born on July 6, 1936 in Libertyville to Lolita and Bernard Prais and was raised in Lake Forest, attended The Gorton School and graduated from Lake Forest High School Class of 1955. Byron went on to earn an associate’s degree in construction management. He was a talented carpenter and worked in construction during his early years. Byron devoted 28 years of his professional career serving The City of Lake Forest as a Building Inspector until he was named the Director of Building and Zoning in 1977. He had a passion for his hometown of Lake Forest and supervised many of the city’s building construction projects including Lake Forest Beach, train stations and other local landmarks. Byron was very active in the community where he was a board member for the Gorton Community Center and A Safe Place. Byron also served as a volunteer fireman for the Lake Forest Fire Department, a volunteer police officer for the Village of Lake Bluff and an active member of Grace Church. In his free time, you would find Byron working in his yard, playing golf and cheering on the Cubs and Bears. Byron may be best known for his “home improvement advice” that he loved to share with friends and family. Beloved husband of Ruth C. Prais for 60 years; cherished father of Robin (Jack) Lange and Kathy (Sean) Olssen; fond grandfather of Jeni (Tommy) Filippo, Elizabeth (Drew) Russell, Katie (Dan) Drake, Drew and Emma Olssen; great-grandfather of Gracie, Tyler and Carter; brother of the late Bernard “Bub” (the late Pat) and Sheldon “Shelly” (Marylee) Prais; and uncle to many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at Grace United Methodist Church, 244 E. Center Avenue, Lake Bluff. Interment will be private at Lake Forest Cemetery. For information – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com. Memorial contributions in Byron’s name may be made to Grace United Methodist, Lake Bluff or A Safe Place, 2710 17th Street, #100, Zion, IL 60099.

Byron J. Prais

July 6, 1936 - January 23, 2020