Ivan S. Tshilds, age 91, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 17, 2021. He was born on December 25th, 1929, in Chicago, IL to Socrates and Amalia Tshilds. He spent his early childhood raised in the Peloponnese region of Greece before returning to Chicago after the Great Depression. Ivan graduated from Amundsen High School in 1948 and the University of Illinois in 1953 with a degree in Architectural Engineering. He then served in the United States Army, stationed in Poitiers, France from 1953-1955. Ivan was united in marriage on October 14, 1961, to Constance K. Karambelas from Wilkes-Barre, PA.
He is survived by his children Socrates Tshilds (Catherine) and Amalea Tshilds (Jason Hammel) and brother John Childs. He was loved and cherished by his grandchildren Emilia, Nicolette, Ismene and Cass. Also survived and loved by his nieces — Laura, Pia, Elena, and Christina. Nephews — John, Chris, Philip, and Peter. Godchildren — Elena, JoAnn, Louie, and Gary. Dear uncle and cousins — George, Dean, Maria, and Evan.
Ivan had a dedicated 47-year career at Jensen & Halstead LTD. — the oldest architectural firm in Chicago.
During his tenure, he also served as President and Chairman, retiring in 2004. Early in his career, he was the lead project architect at the Alice Millar Chapel, Northwestern University built in 1962.
Ivan was known as a charming conversationalist and a lifelong learner, always open and curious to new ideas and experiences. He had a vast knowledge and expertise on a variety of subjects and family history. As an architect, accomplished pianist and prolific in the arts, he shared his incredible wealth of knowledge and mentored many, leaving deep impressions with everyone he met.
Visitation will be held at Saints Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Wagner Rd, Glenview, Illinois August 20, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. followed by funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
May His Memory Be Eternal.