Obituaries

December 22, 1950 to February 17, 2025

WINAMAC - Wesley Waszczyk, 74, of Winamac, passed away, Monday, Feb. 17, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born Dec. 22, 1950 in Krakow, Poland to the late Józef and Antonina Waszczyk. He served in the Polish army for several years before moving to the U.S. He married Theresa Gurga on Feb. 15, 1975, in Chicago. She survives.

He is also survived by son Christopher (Amy) Waszczyk of Shorewood, IL, sister Krystyna Martynowska of Poland, and his cherished granddaughter, Alexis Marie.

Mr. Waszczyk retired from Krack Corporation in Addison, IL. He will be remembered for his love of fishing - always introducing his family and friends to one of his favorite pastimes. While he was fishing, it seemed like he was at peace with the world and one with nature. He enjoyed showing off his skills and passing them on to his extended family. You were extra special if he took you to his favorite spots - that meant you were a part of his inner circle. Playing soccer was another love of his. It was a way of making awesome friends and competing to be the best. Now, he wasn’t a world cup player but you couldn’t tell him that. Soccer was in his heart from the time he was a little boy. He spent many days going to World Cup games or Polish National games with his son, but he enjoyed playing and building friendships the most. During the winter, his focus turned to hockey. Similar to soccer, except on ice. He was a big Chicago Blackhawks fan. He also had a love for beer; rarely seeing him without one. Whether he was mowing the lawn or just sitting back on his deck, a cold brew was always nearby. It was his tradition to dump a little Busch beer into the waters of Rainy Lake to improve the chances of a successful fishing trip. If you knew him, it was usually through one of these loves of his.

Mr. Waszczyk was a dedicated family man who worked hard to make sure his family was taken care of - at one time working two jobs to make ends meet. His son remembers him coming home late at night and sitting in front of the wood burning stove and just falling asleep. A hard thing for a child to understand, but as a grown man himself, his son now does. Wes was never a rich man but he was very wealthy. He could usually make friends with anyone, and everyone remembers his smile. From the soccer field, to the lake, or the coffee shop, he impacted everyone he came across. He will be greatly missed by all those who love him. Dad, please keep an eye on all of us and steer us from danger. Especially your granddaughter Alexis Marie. Love you and see you soon. Have a cold one ready for me and an extra fishing pole by your side.

A celebration of life event will be held at a later date.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.