George Wagrowski

1947 - 2026

George Wagrowski, age 78, passed away on March 26th with his devoted wife of 55 years, Helen, by his side. He had overcome many surgeries over the years before his heart beat one last time.

The common threads that intertwined through George’s life were the importance of family and the power of education. As a devoted husband, father and grandfather, his happiest moments were embedded in the simple joy of being surrounded by family, be it within the warm confines of his home, a sun-splashed ballfield or enjoying good food together in a restaurant (or his wife’s great cooking). His enduring desire to be a Renaissance man of sorts can be seen throughout his home in hand-made furniture, photographs that adorn the walls, paintings framed with care, a library of books lining the shelves and his engineering accomplishments throughout numerous Chicago-land schools, hospitals, gyms, police and fire departments.

George immigrated to the United States as a young child with his parents, several years after surviving the horrors of World War 2. Proud of both his Polish heritage and the opportunities America provided, he set about enjoying all the new world had to offer. From sandlot baseball to hockey in frozen alleyways to taking in White Sox games with his father (and later, his own children) and to focusing on his education, George treasured every moment with family and every opportunity to continue his own growth.

College and job opportunities in the tumultuous 1960s were a steadying force, leading to a long career as a mechanical engineer where he poured forth his efforts to help create safe and impactful public buildings throughout the Chicago-land area. Just as his career began, he met Helen, whom he would marry and stay devoted to for over 55 years. His hard-work would provide for a strong education for his three children, a lovinghome focused on forgiveness and honesty and a positive example of putting your family ahead of all else in this world.

As a husband, George was devoted in every way imaginable. From vacations together to small gestures to surprise presents at the holidays, his love for her never waivered. As parents together, there were certain non-negotiables that kept us anchored: dinner time was sacred family time, especially on Sundays; their arguments happened behind closed-doors but their forgiveness was out in the open; when possible, they would speak Polish to each other to plan a surprise event; hosting family parties involved all hands on deck and their home was always an open space for the friends of their children to bask in the same togetherness.

As a father, George was a fantastic listener and guide for his three children, Diane, Janette and Michael, as they took their own paths in life. He held high-expectations while always being a patient listener and support, embracing the strengths each child brought to the world. In each of them, he instilled a commitment to experiencing as much as possible in life and to never, ever, letting anyone or anything stand in the way of your dreams. Understanding the importance of education, he would often work in his office after everyone else was asleep with only the moon, stars and Beethoven serving as company, ensuring his children enjoyed and appreciated their strong education. His children will always remember his support with projects, conversations about history and politics, playing sports in the backyard, teaching them a myriad of home improvement skills, his humble strength, and his well-timed wit.

One of George’s greatest passions was life as a Bears fan. Once a week, watching the Bears was a chance to connect with his family, and with the greater city of Chicago. Emotions could run high, switching from elation to devastation. Watching games together with his children was a weekly ritual and as they grew older, it was a source of connection, no matter where in the world they were. Being a Bears fan was more than just watching a game; it taught us loyalty, it taught us quiet strength and perseverance, it taught civic pride and taught us the importance of finding connective tissue with other die-hard Bears fans whose blood runs orange and blue.

As a Grandfather, George, aka, ‘Papa’, beamed nearly every second he spent with Jeremy, Paul, Brian, Kaylie and Trevor. From holding them as infants to cheering on their accomplishments, he would light up the moment he was in their presence, be it in person or via a video call. He enjoyed utilizing his talents to build them toys and furniture, all of which serve as everlasting symbols of his love, and he listened with a keen ear to share in their laughter and their life experiences.

George brought a thirst for knowledge, unconditional love for family and friends, patience and understanding to his family, friends and all he encountered in his life. He will be truly and sorely missed.

George is preceded in death by his parents, Zdzislaw and Wladyslawa Wagrowski. He is survived by his wife, Helen Wagrowski, his children, Diane (Bruce) Diehl, Janette Wagrowski (Michael Novesky) and Michael (Jennifer) Wagrowski, and his five grandchildren, Jeremy Diehl, Paul Diehl, Brian Wagrowski, Kaylie Wagrowski and Trevor Novesky.

Services will be held at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home (7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL) on Monday, April 6th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 7th at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Church (794 Pearson Street, Des Plaines, IL, 60016). Immediately following services, interment will occur at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles.