Aaron Shepley was unrelenting in his passion and dedication to growing and bettering Crystal Lake. He saw the City’s Motto, “Crystal Lake, A Great Place to Live,” as more than words describing our town, but a personal promise that he had to work to uphold.

It is in this spirit that The Shepley Family created the Aaron T. Shepley Community Foundation, so the community can continue to benefit from joy, passion, and advocacy that Mayor Aaron Shepley brought to his service to Crystal Lake. The Foundation will be a non-profit organization dedicated as an ongoing tribute to a beloved son, husband, father, friend, and local public servant.

In his spare time, Aaron Shepley was a talented action photographer, cyclist, drummer, runner, and woodworker. “There was nothing that my father could not do—and certainly nothing that he did not think he could do. He would look at something one day, and not only think, but know ‘I am going to go do that,’” shares one of his daughters. One of these, “I can do it” moments was ultimately transformed into growing emblem in the Crystal Lake community—the Crystal Lake Strikers.

He was particularly proud of being one of the cofounders of the Crystal Lake Strikers. The Strikers have grown into a visible embodiment of some of the best parts of our community and will forever be part of the Shepley family,” said Regan Shepley, Aaron’s wife. The Crystal Lake Strikers will be the first of a growing list of local organizations to benefit and receive donations from the Aaron T. Shepley Community Foundation.

According to Steven L. Slack, President & CEO of Home State Bank: “Aaron was a longtime personal friend, and friend of the Bank. He was a great advocate for the City of Crystal Lake, implementing many programs, all directed towards positive, smart growth. He supported the fabric of our community, including small businesses, while he also protected the interests of Crystal Lake residents.” The donations received from the community-at-large will be used for the benefit of such great local organizations like the Crystal Lake Strikers, and more chosen by the Foundation. “We are honored to be chosen the stewards of the funds received.”

“With great humility and sadness towards Aaron’s passing, Home State Bank will be contributing $10,000 to the Foundation. We do this as a sign of strength and confidence that this Fund will flourish and do great things with the donations entrusted to it, all the while shine impeccable light on Aaron’s legacy. He will be dearly missed,” added Slack.