Wesley J. Ley
Obituary's Biography:
Wesley Jon Ley, 54, a resident of Grayslake, passed away Friday December 26, 2014. He was born June 7, 1960 in Great Lakes, IL to Celestine “Frenchy” and Virginia (nee: Herbst) Ley. Wesley was an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University, previous Board Member of the Prairie Crossing Charter School, and a proud owner of The Goddard School in Vernon Hills. He was a graduate of Warren Township High School in 1978, a graduate of Northern Illinois University, and received his MBA from the Lake Forest School of Management. Wesley was a loving husband to his wife of 26 years, Ellen (nee: May) Ley, whom he wed on April 30, 1988 in Waukegan, and a loving father to his children Virginia, Colin, Nathan, and Riley all of Grayslake. He was also survived by his stepmother Betty Ley and his siblings Carol Ann (Stephen) Mackay of Seattle, WA, David (Lori) Ley of Thomasville, GA and Jeff (Gretchen) Ley of Kenosha, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother James Ley. A visitation is scheduled for Monday December 29, 2014 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. A funeral mass is scheduled for Tuesday December 30, 2014 at 10:00am at St. Anastasia Catholic Church 624 Douglas Ave. Waukegan, IL. The interment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bernie’s Book Bank 28101 Ballard Dr. Lake Forest, IL 60045. For more information please call (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve known Wes since our days at Warren Township High School. He has always had a good heart. I was so glad to spend time with Wes over the last 20 years playing basketball and golf. He was in good mood as usual when a lot of us saw him on Dec. 17 for a morning basketball reunion dinner. RIP.
Wesley Jon Ley, one of the sweetest and cutest babies ever! Shy little boy who adored his big sister, who adored him right back from minute one! Loss and trauma undeserved companions in your life for too long. What changes for protection? Wesley Jon Ley, I have always loved you and I always will! You made me so proud, you made me so sad, you made me so happy, and now, you have left me heart broken, with only Jeff and David remaining. What if I had done that to YOU! You would NOT be very happy with me, as if you really needed an excuse to not be happy with me!
I am reminded of the day you walked me down the aisle to give me in marriage to Stephen. The rehearsal, when you gave Stephen my hand and said, “Now, THIS time YOU have to keep her!”, I keep hoping that someone will correct this mistake! I just know it was NOT supposed to be THIS way Wesley Jon! YOU SHOULD BE HERE, NOW, SAYING RIDICULOUS THINGS TO ME ABOUT FIGHTING CRIME SO I CAN INVENT MORE STORIES ABOUT THE GLOCK I REALLY DON’T HAVE! You should be here to watch your children advance through life and see Ellen become a cookie baking grandmother! My joy in life is again greatly diminished by the loss of a brother.
I recited, then translated a Catullus poem, for James, when he died. A brothers heart broken lachrymose.lament upon the loss of his dearly loved brother. I never thought to have the great heart rending sorrow of reading that lament for you, but I have. I read it for you last night and do so again now dear little brother,having crossed the waters and lands of different people to come to that end, dear little brother “Hale and farewell.”
Ellen and family,
Wes felt like family to all of us at The Goddard School. He cared for our children as though they were his own, as does Ellen. We are so devastated and heartbroken to learn of Wes’s passing. He will be so missed.
Please know that your Goddard Family is wrapping you in prayer and warm thoughts of Wes’s memory. He was a good, wonderful man. You are in our hearts.
Love,
Lauren, Ed and Eamonn O’Sullivan
Our deepest condolences to Ellen and children. Nathan and our son Abhi were classmates in PC charter school and we have pleasant memories of interaction with Ley family. our prayers are with you
Madhu, Kumar, Shruthi, and Abhi
My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family during this difficult time. It was exactly two years ago on the 26th that we lost our grandmother, Ruth Herbst. She always spoke so highly of Wes and family and every year had to share your Christmas card with us when it arrived.
I enjoyed visiting with him at the time of her passing and know they are both watching over their loved ones. With Sympathy, Tali (Herbst) Schmitz and Family
Ellen and family.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences
Wes you made me and my family feel welcome into your Goddard family from the minute we stepped in the doors. Every morning you greeted us with the warmest smiles and hellos. In the short time we had together you made a lasting impression on my boys. We can only imagine the positive memories that you left behind with you loved ones.
Love
Jeff Lisa Lucas Nico and Luigi
Ellen and Family,
Bev and I are saddened and shocked to have learned of Wes’s passing on Friday. I have many great memories of traveling with Wes on numerous golf trips and other get togethers. Unfortunately Bev and I are on vacation and will not be able to attend Wes’s funeral. Our deepest sympathy Ellen to you and your family. Wes was a good man.
Fritz and Bev Roth.
To the Ley family: Kim and I send our deepest condolences on the passing of Wes. He was and will always be in my eyes a pillar of strength, determination and devotion to his family, his friends and his career. His transition over the past few years to running The Goddard School showed his love for shaping the lives of not only his own children but young minds and personalities of other parents children. He was adored and admired by many and will be missed in so many ways. Life is a fleeting moment when you look at the span of life on earth but Wes’ contribution and impact will last for generations. Rest in peace my friend and I pray that you are basking in the love of Christ and enjoying your reunion with those that you love. John
Our family is deeply saddened by his loss. Ellen and family, please know you have our love and support. Wes will be missed! RIP.
Love,
Darren, Sarah, Emma (Goddard alumni), Jackson (goats class) and Owen (waddler class) ❤️
So sorry to hear about Wes. I met him many years ago when he worked for Denny’s Restaurant. We worked on the road together and had many fun memories. We lost touch over the years but hearing about his loss saddens me. He was a good friend, always full of joking around to make us all laugh. Too young to leave this earth and family. I wish I had some magical words to ease the pain the family is feeling but know there are none.
Aunt Ellen, Virginia, Colin, Nathan and Riley,
Uncle Wes will always hold a special place in my heart. Growing up he was always my cool uncle. He would rough house with us boys, play any and all sports with us. Most of the time that ended with one of us boys bleeding or getting stitches.. Lol. He would take us to spend the weekend with him just because. Ellen, I knew you were perfect for him when you took me and my brothers for the day and let my mom decorate the house for Christmas… If you could handle me and my brothers I knew You could handle Uncle Wes… To Virginia, Colin, Nathan, and Riley. Your dad was always proud of you every time I would talk to him he would always have something to tell me about you guys or something you were doing in your lives. He would always brag about things you would do or things that were going on with any of you. Your dad had the spirit of a big kid and that is what I love the most about him. He was the one always playing with us kids even if it was cold outside that didn’t matter. Knee football was invented… My heart is very sadden by the loss of you Unlce Wes but I will never forget the stitches you gave me playing sports with you or the even better memories… I love you and will miss you greatly
We extend to you our sincere sympathy during your time of grief. Psalms 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength. A help that is readily found in times of distress. ” May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Wes,
Thanks for taking me as your copilot for the past 6 years. Whether Packer games, Florida golf, Couples golf, or simply cocktails after work. Your gentle demeanor touched me and allowed me to develop a deep relationship to you. So deep, you were my “girlfriend” as far as Sue was concerned.
Your grace and goodwill has been passed to your wonderful children. Ellen’s spirit infected you and you were its carrier. We know that you are in a wonderful place and that gives all of us great comfort, despite the hurt we all feel.
I’m sure you’re letting the Big Guy know why we called you The Great Communicator.
As I’ve posted in Facebook and other places: The world is worse off because you’re no longer here. But the world is a helluva lot better because you WERE here!
I miss you, my brother.
Greg
Dear Greg, your stories helped ease my sorrow. You and Sue and your wonderful family are a great comfort at a time when basically nothing could offer comfort. It has been a gut and heart wrenching experience for me but especially for Ellen and the children. You have provided strength and comfort to all. There are insufficient words to express how meaningful that has been. I am glad my little brother had you and Dave and other members of your “play group” to add such joy to his life, and to Ellen’s and the children. Blessings to you and your family, and to the other members of your cadre! I will never forget you. Thank you Greg and thank you Sue.