Calvin K Wessman Jr.

Calvin “Cal” K. Wessman Jr., 62, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025.

Born on September 24, 1962, Cal was the eldest child of Calvin K. Wessman Sr. and Sheri Croson Wessman. Three years later, his parents welcomed his sister, Lynn Wessman Zak, into the family. As a child, Cal developed a deep love for baseball, golf, and music. His passion for camaraderie and lifelong friendships blossomed during his time at the University of Illinois, where he joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

Cal enjoyed an extraordinary 40-year career at CBRE as a commercial real estate broker, a rare achievement marked by dedication and excellence. He earned numerous accolades, including "Broker of the Year" and "Deal of the Year." Yet, he took just as much pride in leading his CBRE softball team to playoff victories. Cal approached life with an unparalleled zest. Whenever he encountered someone with a new hobby—from quail hunting to skeet shooting to fly fishing—he would dive in with enthusiasm. He was also a founding member of the garage band Mad Cow and of the Knights of Tweed gentlemen’s hunting entourage. Cal was truly forever young.

A proud Chicago sports fan, Cal had an unwavering loyalty to the Cubs, Bears, and Bulls. He loved the finer things in life – Cuban cigars, vodka martinis and supper clubs and, more than anything, Cal loved his friends. He made a point to keep in touch with a small army of people from childhood, Glenbrook South High School, and the University of Illinois. It is likely not an exaggeration that he was known by most everyone in the Chicago real estate community. Cal was forever young.

Cal was immensely proud of his two sons, Ryan and Andy. Both followed their passions, with Ryan working for the Golden State Warriors and Andy contributing to the Brigham Young University Men’s Basketball program. Cal’s pride in their achievements was evident to all who knew him.

Cal was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin K. Wessman Sr. and Sheri Croson Wessman. He is survived by his sister, Lynn Wessman Zak, and her husband, Tim Zak; his sons, Ryan and Andy Wessman; his nephew, Cody Zak; his nieces, Lyndsey Zak and Samantha Zak; and the beloved family dog, Bailey.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cal’s memory may be made to the Center for Enriched Living (https://www.centerforenrichedliving.org/ways-to-give/), where he served as a Board Member and Golf Outing Chair, or to Catholic Charities (https://www.catholiccharities.net/give/), reflecting his dedication to serving as a big brother to a child on Chicago’s west side.

Cal’s vibrant presence and legacy of kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him.