Chang Taik Lim

Dr. Chang-Taik Lim passed away on Sunday August 28th, 2022, surrounded by his loving family after waging one of the most valiant battles against stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma. Chang was born in Naju, South Korea (close to Gwangju), at the time a small farming community on February 24, 1927. He was the youngest of five children. He was the first in his family to go to university and went to Seoul National University where he studied Chemical Engineering. He came to the United States in 1962 to continue his postdoctoral studies in biochemistry after serving as a professor at Chonnam University in Korea. He then moved to Chicago where he raised his six children, and spent his career in pharmacological research at University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois-Chicago. His research continues to be cited today.

He was a devout Christian and served as an elder at Vineyard Presbyterian Church in Elmhurst where he attended multiple services to encourage and support the other ministries of the church. He was active in the community and was often seen at Courts Plus on the rowing machine where he always greeted people with a firm handshake and a smile. He was sharp, courageous, determined and extremely personable. He defied all odds in fighting his cancer, surprising doctors and his own family with his optimism and strong will to beat the horrible disease that ravaged his body.

He leaves behind (spouses in parenthesis):

- His beloved wife and best friend, Sung Sim Lim of Elmhurst, IL

- 3 sons: Hyun (Lisa), Han (Hong Sook), Young (Gina)

- 3 daughters: Jin (Andy Soh), Hannah (James Johnson), Elizabeth (Jason Lee)

- 10 grandsons: David (Tasha), John, Michael, Jay, Jonathan (Meghan), Nick, Christopher (Rachel), Brandon, Kasey, and Kyler

- 2 granddaughters: Victoria and Caroline

- 4 great grandchildren: Peter, Blake, Nathan, and Madeline

He loved his family deeply, and continually prayed they would serve as salt and light to the communities that they lived and worked in. Our family is incredibly blessed because of his strong will, steadfast guidance, and support. We will always cherish the loving memories he leaves behind as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

A visitation will occur Friday, September 2, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. A chapel service for Chang will be held Friday, at 6:30 PM at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace. A funeral service will take place at the Hippach Memorial Chapel on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 10:00 AM, located on the cemetery grounds of Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery. A graveside service will follow.