Gary L. Wiszo-Waty

Date of Birth

Jan 13,1944

Date of Death

Jun 27,2008

GARY L. WISZO-WATY,Age 64 of Maple Park, formerly of Elburn, passed away peacefully, Friday evening, June 27, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer.He was born January 13, 1944 in West Palm Beach, Florida, the son of Ervin and Rita (Blair) Wiszo-Waty. In his early years the family moved to Chicago where Gary was a member of the first graduating class of West Leyden High School, in 1962. Following high school, Gary set his sights on becoming a Marine. After an injury during training cut his tenure as a Marine short, he was united in marriage to Lynn Ann Jacobsen on November 2, 1963. They were blessed with three children, Lori, Michele and Kristina. The family relocated to Carbondale where he attended Southern Illinois University and studied special education.It was while in Carbondale that Gary’s skill as a sales professional was discovered. From there, he focused his professional talent to advance to regional sales manager of Crane Potato Chip Co. in Decatur and similar positions at Barrel of Fun, Inc. and Cloverhill Bakery, before his illness ended his career at Home Depot in Bensenville.After 37 years of marriage, Gary and Lynn divorced in 2000 and Gary made his home in Elburn. While there, he was involved as a CCD teacher at St. Gall Church. In 2006, he moved to Maple Park where he met Fr. Joachim Tyrtania of St. Mary’s of Assumption Catholic Church. They shared a common bond in their Polish heritage which Gary deeply appreciated. In 2007, he started construction on a beautiful new home in Maple Park, selecting a lot that offered a view of the church. His caring family helped him move into his new home in April 2008. The loving care of his family and the view of the church comforted him in his final days before God called him home.In life, Gary was a huge fan of the Chicago Bears and White Sox. Family members can attest to numerous instances when exceptional plays by the Bears resulted in startling those in the opposite end of the house from where Gary was "greatly enjoying" the game on TV. He also enjoyed watching old movies and holiday dinners with his family. A great passion of his was selecting furnishings and decorating his homes, room by room.He was a stern and strict disciplinarian, but did it in a loving way, and his children respected him for it. He was a private man who kept many things to himself. Though deeply spiritual and very loving, he sometimes found it difficult to express all that he thought and felt. Gary had a proud Marine armor which belied the generous, compassionate heart that beat within.He is survived by his father, Ervin of Lake Zurich, daughters Lori (Brett) Robinson of Bethany, Michele Wiszo-Waty, Kristina Hargrove and their mother Lynn Wiszo-Waty, all of Maple Park, brothers Mickey of Oak Lawn, Mark of Chicago and Bobby (Mary Ann) of Harvard, grandchildren Heather (Jordan) Lindenmeyer of Sullivan, Ashley Robinson of Champaign, Brennon Orr and Brianna Orr of Maple Park, Mallory and Paige Robinson of Bethany and Gavon Hargrove of Maple Park and niece Rita Ann Wiszo-Waty of Harvard. He was preceded in death by his mother and his beloved Doberman, "Thunder". A visitation will be held at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, on July 2, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. A mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. Mary’s of Assumption Catholic Church, 123 S. County Line Rd, Maple Park on July 3 at 10:30 a.m.MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in Gary’s name to benefit favorite charities. Memorials checks may be made to the Gary Wiszo-Waty Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through his obituary at www.conleycare.com.

Friends may call from 6-8 PM at Conley Funeral Home 116 W. Pierce St. Elburn, Il 60119 on Wed July 2, 2008. A mass to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday July 3, 2008 at 10:30 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church 121 N. County Line Rd., Maple Park, with Father Joachim Tyrtania officiating. Crematon will follow.

Private family commital service will follow cremation.

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