Irene R. Cihak

Irene R. Cihak, nee Wiktor, age 102, at rest February 21,2025. Wow! What a woman! Irene was married for 61 wonderful years to a caring, devoted and beloved husband, the late Erwin F. Cihak, Capt. U.S.A.F. retired, Pearl Harbor Survivor and owner of the Famous Miracle Ham Co. Longtime residents of Oak Brook for over 54 years. He always called her "IKE'!
They have 3 God-loving, talented daughter, Bernadette Irene Cihak, a chef and cellist with the Senior Suburban Orchestra, Pamela Irene (the late Paul) Maksimovic, a former school teacher and ceramist. Sandra Irene (Capt. Alan Swinger, U.S.N. retired) Swinger, active antique dealer. Very proud grandmother of Pamela Swinger (Dave) Knight, entrepreneur and professional equestrienne/trainer. Grandson Mark A. Swinger, U.S.N. retired (Lara), former jet fighter pilot with the Blue Angels, and aviation portfolio manager for Navy legislative affairs, presently pilot for the airlines. Proud great grandmother of Olivia Irene Swinger (golfing/ice skating) and Madelyn Audrey Swinger (gymnastics).
Irene was the 7th of 8 children born to beloved Jan Wiktor and Aniela Wiktor, nee Mikotajczyk. Also predeceased were sisters and brothers Victoria, Helen, Thaddeus, Lottie, Miles, Isabelle and Marian. With many friends she was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Irene attended St. Casimir Grade School and graduated from Lourdes High School for girls, the Pioneer class of 1940, excelling in drama, with a dominant singing voice in chorus and all social and theatrical activities. After Lourdes graduation, she attended Jr. College night classes, studying journalism while working for the Chicago Steel Co. and Sunbeam. While married, she was employed at Oak Brook Marshall Field's, as a switchboard operator, moving up to the Cash/Credit Dept. Eventually, she became the store communicator for 30 years, with 4 more years at Macy's. In 1988 Irene was selected to receive the "Field's Finest" award as an exemplary employee.
As a devoted wife and mother with remarkable spirit of fortitude, always with a smile, she nurtured her family with a zest for healthy living, believing with faith, all things are possible.
Irene and her husband were avid golfers, Erwin fashioned a "par 3" on their Oak Brook acreage. Honing their skills, they practiced their irons, putting and chip shots. As members of Hinsdale's Ruth Lake Country Club, they enjoyed many rounds of golf. Irene, with plenty of vitality, was a twice recipient of the Women's Golf Championships at Ruth Lake Country Club. She also won the championship from the Oak Brook Women's Golf League.
Irene always found time to give back to her church and community. She was an active parishioner and committee chair for the St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Woman's Club., member of the Oak Brook Women's Club, also a very active fundraiser for station WTTW Channel 11. She volunteered at the Treasure House of Glen Ellyn and St. Mary of Nazareth's Hospital Health Center in Chicago. Irene was also active with the Women's National Polish Club, as she was very proud of her Polish heritage, reading, writing, translating and speaking the Polish language fluently.
Irene looked forward to her love of country, tending to her Oak Brook precinct as an election judge for both major and local elections. She was true patriot, always proudly displaying the American flag on all her postal and personal correspondence.
She would often reminisce of their 50th wedding anniversary celebration, flying the immediate family to Oklahoma City where it all started at the St. Joseph Old Cathedral. Pastor, Rev. Louis J. Lamb was amazed to see them return after 50 years. He presented them with another copy of of their wedding certificate with much admiration.
As family, we were ever so fortunate to have her vibrant spirit and determination in our lives. She was more than inspiring, with her faith and kindness, while proud of her family, especially her husband, the true love of her life. Now Irene and Erwin will golf forever together! May their memories remain eternal.
Family and Friends will meet at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum for blessings and committal service on Thursday, March 6th at 10:30 am, 2025. Entombment at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum, 1400 S. Wolf Rd., Hillside, IL 60162. St. Peter's Shrine, Tier 3, Crypt 33. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital or Mercyship, are appreciated. For info: www.Knollcrest.net or 630-932-1500.