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Thad Machnik Obituary
Died: June 3, 2007; in Boulder, Colo.
After retirement, he worked at Disney World, where he enjoyed being a greeter and escorting Disney characters around the park
ESTES PARK, Colo. - Thad F. Machnik, 84, of Estes Park, Colo., died Sunday, June 3, 2007, at a nursing home in Boulder, Colo.
He was born Sept. 17, 1922, in Chicago, to John and Josephine Machnik. He married the late Pauline M. (Votava) Machnik on Sept. 22, 1944. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary shortly before Pauline's death in 1994.
Born and raised in Chicago, Thad also lived with his wife and family in St. Louis, Franklin Park, Schaumburg, Crystal Lake, McHenry and Davenport, Fla., and moved to Estes Park, Colo., in 2002 to live with his daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Jeffry Galyon.
After graduating in 1940 from Foreman High School in Chicago, he served as Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army at Scott Air Force Base and Keelser Field between July 21, 1941 and December 3, 1945.
He worked for Motorola Inc. for nearly 30 years, including the position as plant foreman, and received awards such as "Foreman of the Year." He also worked as a real-estate broker and owned his own business.
After retirement, he worked at Disney World, where, with his outgoing personality, he enjoyed being a greeter and escorting Disney characters around the park.
He was an active member of the American Legion for more than 60 years and the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America since the age of 17. His favorite activities were playing cards (especially pinochle), reading, fishing and watching the Chicago Bears.
He was the loving father of Judith (Mike) Vanderwyst of McHenry and Lynn (Jeffry) Galyon of Estes Park, Colo.; dear brother of Lillian Kurek of Charlotte, N.C.; grandfather to Christina (Ken) Nowikowski, Jennifer Vanderwyst and Michael Vanderwyst; great-grandfather to Amber, Tyler, Ashley, Cade, Levi, Zachary, Chance, Maddie and Seth; and dear uncle to many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Josephine Machnik; his dear wife, Pauline M. Machnik; a sister Theresa Rudny; his brother, Eugene Machnik; and a niece, Patricia Rataj.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated July 7 at Church of the Holy Apostles in McHenry, with interment July 14 at St. John's Cemetery in Collinsville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in care of Lynn M. Galyon, P.O. Box 639, Estes Park, CO 80517.
For information, call (815) 363-0952 or (970) 577-9456.
Sign the guest book at www. NWHerald.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Barb Gollwitzer
July 15, 2007
My memories are of both Thad & Pauline in Franklin Park, they were young (our age) and will remain that way in my memory. They were very loving, caring parents that wanted the best for their daughters. In return the two of you were wonderful daughters. What a wonderful legacy you have!
Stephanie Crain
July 13, 2007
Mr. and Mrs. Machnik lived down the street from me in Crystal Lake, IL. , next door to my best friend Tina (their grandaughter). I remember they were very involved with her family and he was always really nice and talkative. When Tina and I would go visit their home, they always had pop for us to drink or were always offering us cookies or some sort of treat. I really enjoyed both of them, as they were very sweet and kind to me. When they moved into their townhome in Crystal Lake, I always enjoyed visiting them with Tina. Again, there was always pop or a treat offered to us! I remember both of them very fondly.
Beth Usdrowski
July 2, 2007
Thad was easy to be with. He had a joyful yet gentle spirit and shared himself and his experiences generously. One of the things I will always remember is the way he would speak about his wife and her memory so lovingly. I will also remember and honor Thad for his courage and his resilience.
Arlene and John Stucki
July 2, 2007
Thad, you fought a long and courageous fight in this battle with chronic and debilitating llness. God's lovingkindness extended to you in a very special way through your daughter Lynn and through Jeff, as they patiently and lovingly cherished you and cared for you over these months and years. What a great gift; what careful and prayerful preparation for your entrance into eternity they gave to you. I hope you sensed God's love for you through their patient and caring hearts and hands. They were His hands and His heart extended to you, drawing you to Himself, and holding you close. Your presence in their lives was a blessing to them too, as they walked with you through the good and bad days, and we know they will miss you. May you know eternal peace and grace in the presence of the One Who makes all things new.
Lovingly,John and Arlene Stucki
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Gail Schiller
June 30, 2007
Thad was the epitome of a gentle hearted person. His quiet, sweet manner is something to be emulated. Thad was a joy to care for, bring a meal to, and have a conversation with. He was never demanding and always had sweet things to say about anyone he spoke of. What a good life with sweet memories he had. It will be a joy to see him again....
Helen & Bill Culpepper
June 29, 2007
We met Thad only after he moved to Colorado but we will always remember him as a gentle and loving man. He will be missed by his "new" friends in Estes Park.
Grandpa and Tina(February 2004)
June 28, 2007
Grandpa w/ Grandchildren Amber and Tyler(taken 10 years ago)
Tina Nowikowski
June 28, 2007
I have so many good mamories of my Grandpa. One of the best ones is how he ALWAYS brought Dunkin Donuts whenever he came to visit. It was so sweet. Whenever someone would talk about directions, he always got in on the conversation and was always curious on which route they would take. He loved to talk to everyone. Before he got ill, he could talk your ear off! Even when he was sick, everytime I called, he always remembered who I was and what was going on in my life, and always asked about the kids and to say hi to everyone. I would love to have a long conversation with him one last time, but I know he is with God in a better place now, and he's also finally back with Grandma, Aunt Ann and Uncle Jack. The 4 are back together again in peace.
Aubry Solomon
June 28, 2007
My, My..Mr. Thad and I sure had a sweet friendship during my time in Estes Park. He was the closest person like my Great Grandpa Dan than anyone I've had the pleasure of meeting. I'm greatful for his Daughter, Son in law and their hearts in caring for him so greatly!
Thad and his grandson, Michael (may 2006)
June 25, 2007
Thad and his two daughters, Judy and Lynn (May 2006)
June 25, 2007
Jennifer Vanderwyst
June 25, 2007
My sweet Grandpa.....what can I say? I have wonderful last memories of spending time with him last summer when my daughter and I were there in Colorado for three weeks. I feel blessed to have had this opportunity to be with him. Every time I spoke to him over his last years of life, he always remembered to ask how my daughter was doing or how my job was going, he cared so much about all of us! My Grandpa was a real chatter box in his earlier years, I remember wherever we went he just had to stop and talk to everyone! He would tell stories about his life to complete strangers! He made friends in the store or at a restaurant, anywhere he could! He was so funny! When I was a little girl, I remember asking him one time what he was drinking and if I could have a sip from the can he was holding, he let me take a small one and it was yucky! As an adult I still don't like the taste of beer!!! I also loved hearing him call my grandma "babe". I don't think I ever heard him use words like "honey" or "sweetheart" or call her by first name, "Pauline". I always thought it was the cutest thing!!! I am so glad that he is finally with my Grandma, after living without her for over 12 years! Our Good Lord has brought him home....
Mary Jane De Shon
June 21, 2007
I remember going to Judy's house in Franklin Park and Mr. Machnik was always so nice. He remended me of my Dad. I remember many happy times spent in the basement!
He is now safe and happy with Mrs. Machnik and the Lord.
Bill and Jan Brown
June 18, 2007
I still can see him out in his yard next door to our house and Little Nicole saying "HI, PAPA" He was always so sweet to her and had so much patience with her constant "TALK" We are so glad to have known him. Our hearts are with you all....The Brown Bunch
Lynn Galyon
June 18, 2007
Everyone loved my Dad. In his younger years he was the life of the party and the center of attention with his outgoing personality. Even as he grew older and quieter and more frail, the sweetness of his spirit became more evident and he became the "favorite" among his nurses, doctors and other caregivers. He was a very special man and I miss him so much... It helps a lot to know that Dad is now with Jesus in Heaven.
Lynn Galyon
June 18, 2007
All who knew my Dad loved him. In his younger years he was the center of attention and the life of the party! As he grew older and more frail, his sweet and gentle spirit came out more and he was still the "favorite" of so many nurses, doctors, and caregivers. I loved him so much and I miss him more than I can say... It helps a lot to know he is at peace with Jesus in Heaven.
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