Sepanik, Wayne Passed away Wednesday, August 19, 2015. Wayne was born to the late John and Pauline Sepanik in Chicago, Illinois, on December 5, 1950. He was the fifth of seven children, Dolores, Ronald (Carol), John (Carolyn), Joseph (Lori), Dennis (Betty) and Caroline. Dolores, John and Caroline predeceased Wayne. He had 13 nieces and nephews; and 14 great-nephews and great-nieces. His friends were as numerous as the stars in the heavens. His marriages to Mary and Wendy Jo ended in divorce. He lived in the Chicago area for his first 50 years, moving to Key West about 15 years ago. He was active in the Boy Scouts through his teens. He graduated from Carl Schurz High School in the city. Printing was his occupation for most of his working life, including being the proprietor of a printing job shop known as WAYSEP. He served with the 928th Medical Unit of the USAF Reserves out of O'Hare ARS. Shooting darts was a favorite pastime. He loathed the Chicago winters wanting the warmth and charm of Key West -- which we all thought of as Wayne's Paradise. Initially, he worked as a printer in Key West. Later he worked as a housing modification/maintenance contractor, a marina employee, and a test technician for Monroe County courts. A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Wayne's life will be held at the Rusty Anchor, 5501 5th Avenue, Stock Island, FL 33040 on Monday, September 21 between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. Donations, if desired, may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation to memorialize Wayne. His remains are being donated to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, with subsequent cremation and scattering of ashes in the Gulf of Mexico.

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

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 30, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Sepanik

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

5 Entries

Linda Grabowski-Grant

September 1, 2015

Wayne and I were on the same dart team for years! When you have that kind of family, you celebrate together, eat together, argue and cry together. Wayne was the "responsible one" the guy who told the corny jokes and called you on things where most would not bother. That's a family connection. However, when the team moved on, I moved on as well as Wayne. When I heard he moved to the keys, I was thrilled for him. When FaceBook was created, we found each other and chatted most days. Two winters ago, I was traveling to Miami and I called and he invited me and a friend down to stay for a few days. He had back issues, so he couldn't do much at the time, but we only needed to sit and reminisce about friends,darts etc to make it a successful visit. I'll forever be grateful he picked up the phone that day and had us come down to visit. He was so loved that he was thinking of running for Mayor. He would have won! I'm going to miss my friend. Words can't describe how painful his passing has been to the many, many friends and family he has. He was a good man. I'm blessed to have known him and to have been his friend. My sincere condolences to his family.

Paul and Mary Casner

August 31, 2015

Wayne was a kind-hearted, generous guy who always seemed to have a few free passes to Key West attractions for us when we came to visit from cold Chicago. We had great times visiting with him at places like Schooners and the Hurricane Hole, where we could take along his little dog Katrina, who was his pride and joy.

We're glad he had fifteen years in the Keys that he loved so much. Rest in peace, Wayne. You will be missed.

August 31, 2015

We were friends We text on FB I will miss him karen Lehman

Dominic Stasi

August 30, 2015

I am one of Wayne's stars in the sky. I met Wayne while in High School and am one of the HI-HO gang of four. Though Wayne and I had lost contact through the years. I know if I ever needed anything Wayne would have been there for me. As a matter of fact the last time I saw Wayne was at our last reunion in 1999. I am the one in the blue shirt that Mike posted here. Even though we haven't had much contact through the years. Our friendship picked up again that night like we were never separated by the years.
Wayne will be missed but as long as he lives in our hearts he will always be near.
Gods Speed my dear friend.

Four "Hi-Ho" Boys - July 1999

Michael Guerra

August 30, 2015

WAYNE WAS ONE OF THE FOUR 'HI-HO,HI-HO' BOYS BACK IN CHICAGO IN OUR HIGH SCHOOL DAYS AND BEYOND.HE WAS ALWAYS THE JOKESTER, JUST NEVER MADE ANY MONEY AT IT. HE WAS A GUY WILLING TO GIVE YOU THE SHIRT OFF HIS BACK IF YOU NEEDED IT;NOT TOO MANY LIKE THAT AROUND ANYMORE. I'M SURE GOING TO MISS HIM. NOW THERE'S ONLY 3 OF US LEFT., SO HI-HO WAYNE, AND HOPE MY PRAYERS IN THE PAST HELPED YOU MOST OF THE TIME.YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE MY LOVE, BUDDY.
YOUR OLD FRIEND,
MICHAEL GUERRA

Poem dedicated to Wayne
by Michael Guerra

"Longtime, Long Distance FRIENDS"

Through the years, we move away,
from what we all call home;
We shed some tears, and often play,
old memories as we roam;
Through our new lives,
with new families and friends,
yet keep in touch, and sometimes see,
an old friendship gives and gives.
We send a letter, card or text,
but a phone call seems the best;
to hear that voice that brings us back,
to the times that never lacked;
The love, the laughter, the life we knew,
as we went our separate ways;
NOT TIME, NOR DISTANCE MADE US SWAY,
FROM OLD FRIENDSHIPS MEANT TO STAY.

"Never stopped loving you Bro."