Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Wolniak Funeral Home - Chicago

5700 South Pulaski Road

Chicago, Illinois

Joseph Waickus Obituary

Waickus, Joseph J. 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 31, 2016. A lifelong resident of Chicago, (Tiger) Joe proudly served our country as a Quartermaster (Signalman) Petty Officer 2nd Class in the United States Navy during World War II, enlisting at age 18, and was the recipient of multiple decorations including the Presidential Unit Citation for action against the enemy at Iwo Jima in February 1945. Joe was a loyal and devoted husband to Annette, "the love of his life", for 57 years and 297 days, until her death in 2006. He was a loving father to their four children, Diane (Dennis) Trina, Pamella (Ronald) Dryier, Dr. Cynthia (Paul) Waickus-Young, and Joseph (Colette); a dear and proud grandfather "PaPa Joe" of Denise (William) Zegers, Darrin Trina, Dana (Karl) Mahler, Alexis Dryier, Gregory, Elliott, Gordon, and Ethan Young, Courtney and Joel Waickus; cherished great-grandfather of Tyler and Trina Zegers, Darrin Trina, and Carter and Stephanie Mahler. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, August and Anna (Kieltyka) Waickus, and his siblings, August, Marie, Loretta, and Helen. He was a fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Joe continued to distinguish himself, after the Navy, through the participation and leadership he imparted to numerous community and veterans organizations, most specifically the VFW. He was a lifetime member of the Town of Lake VFW 5216 for over six decades, serving as Commander, Adjutant, and Athletic Director. He and Annette generously contributed their time to Misericordia Home. He spent his career as a millwork buyer for Edward Hines Lumber Company, and retired after more than 40 years of service. Joe will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and remembered most for his quick wit (even till the end), sense of humor, and witty jokes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community-Empowerment.org, Misericordia.com, or to RainbowHospice.org. Funeral Saturday 9:45a.m. from the WOLNIAK FUNERAL HOME, 5700 S. Pulaski Rd. to St. Mary Star of the Sea Church for 10:30a.m. Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation Friday 3:00-9:00p.m. (773)767-4500 or www.wolniakfuneralhome.com



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Waickus

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

Not sure what to say?





PATRICIA A DEHART

December 27, 2022

There were times when Uncle Joe would stop by, knowing that I was off work on Fridays. So, we'd share a cup of coffee or two before he had to get back to work. It's a fond memory of mine.

Vicki Williams

January 6, 2017

If Annette was also known as Tigress, I used to deliver things to her from Helen Kalata. I think they bowled together but I am not certain. My condolences to your family. Vicki Bokina Williams

Helen Rzasa

January 6, 2017

Dear Pam, Cindy,Diane, Joey and the rest of Joe's family,

Fondly remembering your Dad when we all lived in the awesome Back of the Yards. He and your Mom were always so cool. He looked out for all the neighborhood kids as though they were his own. He had a great sense of humor and I always loved seeing that great smile on his face. How special that we reconnected 10 years ago. I truly cherish the times we were all together, sharing a meal, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. No man could have been cared for or loved as much as your Dad. We will all miss him but he is now with the Love of His Life, his beautiful Annette, who he has counted the days, waiting to see her and truly, what could be better than that!

With Love, Sympathy & Friendship,
Helen and Family

Anthony Bertucci

January 6, 2017

Joe,

We would like to express our sorrow and condolences to you and your family. Your dad will be a part of our prayers.

Anthony, John, Dawn and Dee

January 5, 2017

Worked with Joe many years ago at Hines Lumber Company. My remembrance of Joe, he was a great guy and wonderful person to know and work with. God Bless!

Tom Corgiat

The Sisters and Residents of Misericordia

January 4, 2017

Our sympathies and special prayers for Joe, Annette and all the family.

January 3, 2017

Joe, Dennis and family,
So sorry for your loss Wish I could be there for you but I will be out if town.
My deepest sympathy,
Terri Hauser

Dennis & Marian Wajckus

January 3, 2017

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the entire Waickus family.
We respect and honor the service of Joseph for his tour in the United States Navy.
He is the last of a family of 5 to pass from this life to the next. God bless his family and his many contributions to all of us who were privileged to know him.

Pat DeHart

January 2, 2017

My deepest sympathy to you my cousins Diane, Pam, Cindy and "Tiger" Joe. A generation passes with your Dad, my Uncle Joe. He will be dearly missed until we meet again.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in Joseph Waickus's name

Memorial Events
for Joseph Waickus

Jan

6

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Wolniak Funeral Home - Chicago

5700 South Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60629

Jan

7

Funeral

9:45 a.m.

Wolniak Funeral Home - Chicago

5700 South Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60629

Jan

7

Funeral Mass

10:30 a.m.

St. Mary Star of the Sea Church

IL

Funeral services provided by:

Wolniak Funeral Home - Chicago

5700 South Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60629

How to support Joseph's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Joseph Waickus's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more