Joseph F. Maciejewski

1923 - 2024

Joseph F. Maciejewski
Born: March 19, 1923 in Cudahy, WI
Died: November 15, 2024 in Green Valley, AZ
Joseph F. Maciejewski, a decorated Navy veteran of World War II who spent more than 40 years in law enforcement in Wisconsin and Illinois, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 in Green Valley, Arizona. He was 101 years old.
Maciejewski was primarily connected with northern Illinois, where he served as the police chief of DeKalb from 1971 to 1989. He also was active in the local Rotary Club. He often taught at Northern Illinois University on issues pertaining to police training and procedures.
Prior to relocating to Illinois, he served in multiple roles with the Cudahy Police Department in the 1950s and 1960s, rising to the rank of lieutenant.
Maciejewski was born March 19, 1923, to Bruno and Cecilia Maciejewski. He was raised in the Cudahy area and graduated from Cudahy High School in 1940. He enlisted the Navy at the age of 19 in 1943, where he served on PT boats in the Solomons and Philippines. During his tour of duty overseas, the stenography class he took in high school became vital to his commanding officers, who had him taking notes on intercepted radio transmissions from the enemy.
He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Cudahy where he became a family man. He initially worked for J.T. Vendors, a local novelty company, where he was responsible for the upkeep and repair of jukeboxes and pinball machines. This position earned the family the distinction of having one of the first televisions in all of Cudahy. After two years at Cutler Hammer as an electronic wireman, he joined the Cudahy Police Department in 1953.
After his retirement from Illinois law enforcement, he moved to Green Valley with his second wife, Carolyn, and became part of a community of northern transplants. He was known for his passion for Tuesday night sheepshead, playing games of backgammon and watching the Packer and Badger games. He remained active well into his 90s, frequenting the gym and staying in touch with his friends.
Maciejewski is survived by his daughter, Lynn (Francis); his son, Lee (Nora); four grandchildren: Laura (Mike), Vincent (Amy), Anne (Ron) and David (Shaina); and seven great-grandchildren.
He is proceeded in death by his wife, Carolyn; three brothers, Anton, Eugene, and Edward; and three sisters Catherine, Bernice and Barbara.
No services will be held, but to honor his memory, please consider making a donation to the Honor Flight Network: https://www.honorflight.org/donate/