Marion A. Wicinski

Obituary's Biography:

Marion A. “Mike” Wicinski, 87, a resident of Round Lake Beach, IL, passed away March 17, 2025, at his home.  He was born April 10, 1937, to Casmir and Catherine Wicinski in Chicago, IL. 

Mike was raised in Round Lake, IL and attended Grant Community High School in Fox Lake, IL. While in school, Mike could not quell the urge to serve his country in the United States Army. He enlisted and successfully completed a tour on the Korean Peninsula during the Korean War. Mike received an honorable discharge from the Army after serving and returning home.  He was very proud of his service to his country throughout his life.

After coming home, he would later meet the love of his life, ‘Patsy’. They married and began to build a life together. Their success together produced a wonderful home in Round Lake Beach filled with five loving children. Mike was extremely intelligent in mechanics. He worked at Fort Sheridan in North Chicago, IL as a mechanic for many years. His service and dedication earned him the privilege to retire in 1999. 

His family was his pride and joy. He instilled his knowledge and wisdom to his children with love and discipline. He took great pride in his home and cars.  The trim was always painted, and the grass always cut. However, most days you would find the garage door wide open with Mike managing the numerous projects inside. He worked on cars and other machinery in his free time with his friends, and kids often at his side.

He repaired and resold many vehicles over the years. His hard work eventually produced a completely restored 1922 Model T Touring painted a majestic Firetruck Red. Mike loved this car. His work of over a decade was so meticulous and detailed. From the hand-carved wooden spokes to the mirror-polished brass screws. His imagination, dedication, and hard work earned him awards at numerous car shows including ‘Best of Show’, which gave him great pride. If Mike wasn’t working on the cars, he was often off to a good cruise with his many other cars including a 1926 Model T Runabout in Edsal Ford Black, two Model A Fords, and his two Cadillacs; often blaring ‘Big Band’ era tunes.

Mike also loved to travel. Patsy and Mike experienced many places about the world, but they specifically loved Clearwater Beach, FL. From the beach to the hot-air balloon rides, their travels provided stories for decades for their family and friends. Their smiles and memories provided a legacy to be cherished.

Mike will be remembered for spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren along with his other family and close friends. Mike was a loving, caring, and devoted husband and father. He will be deeply missed.

Mike is survived by his children Michelle (Larry) Frederichs, Jeffrey Wicinski, Jerry (Vickie) Wicinski, Mary Pat (Tommy) Vepley, Maureen (Mike) Papp; his grandchildren Joshua (Charo) Wicinski, Natosha (Rob) Thormo, Vanessa Degand, Kraig (Alexandria) Wicinski, Michael (Sherry) Wicinski, Joey Wicinski, Christopher Wicinski, Geremi (Shannon) Wicinski, Jessica (Jerry) Mahoney, Kurtis (Haley) Vepley, Meagan Ratajczyk; his great-grandchildren Czara and Chay Wicinski, Jason, Kyle, and Raelyn Thormo, Annabelle, Kollins, and Karson Wicinski, Emma and Grace Wicinski, Brady and Jordan Wicinski, Landin Palmer and Zoey Cockrell, Rowen Vepley, and Eric Royal III; his siblings Joan (Connie) Walker, Danny Wicinski, Dolores Hagan, Martin Wicinski; his in-laws, Kathleen (Robert) Swieton, Larry McCann, Suzanne Wicinski, and Alfred Hertel; and his numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patricia (McCann) Wicinski, his granddaughters Mallori Papp and Olivia Thormo, his siblings, Robert Wicinski, Norbert Wicinski, Tom Wicinski, Carol (Alfred) Hertel, and brother-in-law Joseph McCann.

A visitation and funeral service are scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 10:00am until 2:00pm with the service commencing at 2:00pm.  Interment will be held privately.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.

To view live stream of the service click here: https://venues.vimeo.com/1688676628014?lang=en-US

To view memorial video click here:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/DBNRY4Z8QNFFBX2R