Wayne G. Chmiel Sr.

Wayne George Chmiel, born September 24, 1942, son of George and Madlyn Chmiel passed on February 7th.

Leaving Humbolt Park Chicago at 6 years old, he grew up in Franklin Park where he developed lifelong friendships that remain and grew generationally to an "extended family". He had an older sister, Joyce, passing in 1967 2 days before the 1967 Chicago Blizzard, which was the city's worst recorded snowstorm, dumping 23 inches of snow in 24 hours with massive snow drifts. He was a tall and notably strong young man (later knick-named "Big Wayne") and shoveled 3 city blocks of snow to clear a path to drive to the main road, to get to the funeral.

He attended Lydon High School in Franklin Park, IL and enlisted in the US Army at 16 years old where he served overseas, including Stuttgart Germany. He was a patriotic man his whole life.

He was a hard-working soul and began working at the Kroger grocery store in Franklin Park where he first had to engage his skillful tale telling in order to stretch his age to the minimum required for hire. This was a memorable job for him, meeting many colorful locals. He later worked for Chicago Northwestern as a brakeman (where his father worked as a conductor). Eventually he worked at Jay's Hy-Lift (founded by his father-in-law), manufacturing and repairing construction equipment such as the Jay's Hy-Lifts and mortar mixers which were used in the building of: Chicagoland homes by family masonry businesses; Great America in Gurnee; Water Tower Place in Chicago; and even used to lay the terrazzo floors in Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Finally, he went into business for himself as "Rugged Equipment" (Rugged Equipment Designs) manufacturing, repairing and welding a variety of equipment. Customers would say: "Wayne, Wayne the fix it man, if he can't fix it, nobody can!"

He met Lynn Wiegand, in August 1963, and later married her on April 4th 1964. He was married to Lynn, his lifelong lady, for nearly 62 years. He and Lynn were blessed with 3 sons (Wayne, Steven, and Daniel) and eventually 7 grandchildren (Benjamin, Samantha, Christopher, Timothy, Brian, Katherine and Bella).

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Big Wayne enjoyed spending his time simply being with family and friends. In his younger days much of his special time was around lakes and boats, waterskiing, picnicking, and fishing. Family vacations centered the lakes Wisconsin and Minnesota.

In proper Polish tradition funerals were a must-attend and weddings were to be fully celebrated – an art he well mastered. He was a sight to see on the wedding dance floor when the polkas played.

His home was generously open to all, where all walks of life were welcomed and appreciated. His favorites spots to gather were around a fire (fireplace or campfire), around his bar (which he generously stocked and shared) and around the dinner table.

He had a strong Christian faith and was an active member of St Hillary's Episcopal Church in Prospect Heights where he served on the vestry and in other capacities including supporting the youth group and helped build the columbarium.

He is survived by his wife Lynn (Wiegand) and their sons Wayne (Liz) and Daniel; and his grandchildren Benjamin, Samantha (Max), Timothy (Kiera), Brian, Katherine and Bella.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Madlyn Chmiel; his sister Joyce; his son Steven; and his grandson Christopher.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the church are appreciated.

Services:

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 13th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14th with visitation at 10:00am and the service at 11:00am at Messiah Lutheran Church in Wauconda, IL.