Wanda F. Roytek
July 14, 1931 - June 27, 2025
Wanda F. Roytek, of Mattoon, passed away gently in the early morning hours on June 27, 2025, at Willow Breeze Hospice Residential Home. She was 93.
Born on July 14, 1931, in Murphysboro, Ill., to Harry A. and Mildred L. (Wilson) Ozburn. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Albert "Pap" Vanzandt. Her parents and both of her sisters, Barbara J. Carlock and Mary E. Sarensen, preceded her in death.
Wanda grew up on Fiddler's Ridge, the eldest of three sisters. She was a 1948 graduate of Murphysboro Township High School. Following graduation, Wanda held a ten-year career as a receptionist with Wides Oil Company of Murphysboro, Illinois, quickly working her way to bookkeeper and payroll clerk. Her organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail afforded her the opportunity to work for Twomey & Hines Law firm of Carbondale, Illinois. Wanda's 17-year tenure as a legal secretary brought her great joy and pride. It was through this employment, and a co-worker, that she was introduced to Richard "Richie" Roytek of Mattoon. With unwavering love, patience, and support, a single woman with no children of her own became a stepmother to five children when she married Richard on October 16, 1976, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon.
Throughout her years in Mattoon, Wanda worked in the family Dairy Queen business alongside Richie and the kids. In her younger years, Wanda was incredibly devoted to her Jazzercise class. She enjoyed many years of Wednesday Ladies Golf League at Mattoon Golf & Country Club where many lifelong friendships were formed. Wanda was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Illini Men's Basketball team. In her elder years of life, Wanda resided at Brookstone South Independent Living and made some wonderful companions, both staff and residents, and she relished their friendship and camaraderie.
A Mass of Christian burial honoring her life will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15th, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church located at 320 N. 21st St., Mattoon. Visitation for family and friends will be held prior to mass, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, at Schilling Funeral Home located at 1301 Charleston Avenue in Mattoon. A rosary will be recited at 9:15 a.m.
Wanda is survived by her stepchildren John (Ann) of Mattoon, Michael of Dallas, Texas, Ann (Mike) Rylko of Crystal Lake, Ill., Mary "Moni" (Mark) Sheehan of Fairfield Glade, Tenn. She was an adoring aunt to Teri Lynn (Dennis) Schindel of Marinette, Wis., Bobbi Kay (Mike) Bernhardt of Anderson, Ind., Guy (Shannon) Roberts of Creal Springs, Ill. Forever remembered by her three grandchildren, Michael Leon, Sarah, Emily.
Awaiting Wanda for a heavenly reunion are her beloved Richard, who preceded her in death on November 8, 2012; her stepson, Gary R. Roytek; and her beloved grandson, Anthony V. Sheehan II.
The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Willow Breeze Hospice House staff, and for the loving care of Hospice nurse Emily Livingston.
Memorial donations in her honor may be given to Camp New Hope, 1364 County Road 100 East, Neoga, Ill. 62447; or Immaculate Conception St. Vincent de Paul, 320 N. 21st St., Mattoon, Ill. 61938. Online condolences may be expressed at
www.schillingfuneralhome.net or Schilling Funeral Home's Facebook page.
Schilling Funeral Home
1301 Charleston Ave
Mattoon, IL 61938
2172350333
Published by Journal Gazette & Times-Courier on Jul. 10, 2025.