DeKalb

Ata R. Shakir, 41, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 16, 2017 in DeKalb, IL. Although his battle with colorectal cancer was short, he fought intensely with spirit and grace. Ata was born May 19, 1976 to Arif and Najee (Files) Shakir in Chicago, IL. He married Brenda Anne King on July 30, 2004 in Galena, IL. The couple has two children: Amirah, age 12 and Ata David, age 9.
Ata spent the last five years working passionately as a geography teacher at DeKalb High School.

Ata's short life was filled with the things he valued most: love, kindness and education. His love for his wife and children was undeniable, and you saw it in his face each time he spoke of them. If you ever met Ata, you instantly felt important. His signature hugs gave you the feeling that everything was good in the world. His ability to listen and engage with you was his greatest asset. He did this with his family, his friends, his co-workers, his students and any random person that he would meet. You always felt like you were a better person for knowing him. Ata always inspired others to go out and be the best version of "you" possible.

Ata's passion for learning was evident in his own pursuit of education. He earned a bachelor's degree in geography from NIU; an MBA from Robert Morris College; and a master's degree in geography from NIU. He passed this love on while tutoring student athletes at NIU, teaching at Kishwaukee College, and finally as a teacher and mentor to hundreds of students at DeKalb High School. He enjoyed nothing more than spending his day interacting with young people. His one wish was that all of his students continue his legacy by inspiring others to spread kindness and knowledge. He exemplified what it meant to have the "heart of a Barb". He loved his community with a passion rarely seen in today's world.

Ata is survived by his wife, Brenda, and children: Amirah and Ata David all of DeKalb; his parents, Arif and Najee Shakir of Cortland, IL; sister, Lailaa Shakir of Chicago, IL; mother-in-law, Peggy King of DeKalb; brother-in-law, Dave (Donelle) King of Elk River, MN; sister-in-law, Stacy Stawinoga of DeKalb, IL; nieces and nephew: Hadiya and Zahara Shakir of Chicago, IL, Hannah and Hugh King of Elk River, MN, and Josie and Molly Stawinoga of DeKalb, IL; grandmother, Vera Mae Files of Bessemer, AL; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Curtis Files, Jr.; and paternal grandparents, Houston and Margaret Keye.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Shakir home on Friday, June 23rd from 5:00-8:00, at 432 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb. Parking is available at Northern Rehab, 232 W Lincoln Hwy or in the NIU lot on Castle Drive near the Lagoon. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Shakir family in order to extend educational opportunities and experiences for his children, Amirah and Ata David, at 432 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115. The family would also like to ask that you honor Ata by performing acts of service and kindness to others in our community.

Cremation rites have been accorded by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.