Wojciech “Wojtek” Wlodek - dedicated husband, father of five, grandfather of nine, and friend of many - passed away on February 18, 2023, at the age of 73 in his home surrounded by his family. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile and a sense of humor. Despite the pain, Wojtek was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life, even during his final days of his life.
Wojtek was born to Karol and Maria (nee Ostrowka) Wlodek on December 16, 1949, in Krzywcza, Poland. He was the third oldest of six children. After high school, he served in the Polish army, specializing in machine mechanics and repair. He married the love of his life, Anna (Pawlowska) Wlodek in 1972 and shortly after started a family, having children Alexandra, Matthew, George, and Kasia. Persistent to create a better future for his family, he, his wife and kids immigrated to the United States in 1985 with two suitcases but also with unlimited hope, faith, and determination. They settled down in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, where Wojtek worked tirelessly as a talented machinist, buying his first home within two years of being in the United States. Soon after, Wojtek and his wife had their fifth and last child, Kristen.
Through the years, Wojtek worked incredibly hard for his family. He worked for Acme Screw Company for over 20 years before retiring in 2018. For most of his career, he worked overtime to earn more for his family’s security and future. He was a talented machinist, builder, and creator. He would often work on home projects after work and on the weekends. You could give him an idea and he would find a way to build and recreate it, often with things he would reuse and recycle at home.
Outside of his family, his biggest passion was fishing. When feeling well, the lake was his second home. He loved fishing for any type of fish and would fish for hours. He fished in Poland prior to immigrating to the US, The Great Lakes, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oregon, and even Alaska. In recent years, his love of plants and flowers grew tremendously. He was constantly buying plants for his home and garden, researching to find ways to make his plants even more beautiful, and would share his love of plants with others.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Wlodek, his children, Alexandra (Michael) Wyruchowski, Matthew Wlodek, George Wlodek, Kasia (Robert) Polep, and Kristen (Sean Collins) Wlodek, his grandchildren, Taylor, Dylan, Daevin, Emmalyn, Jason, Desiree, Josie, Conner, and Lucy, his siblings, Wanda, Jozef, and Ewa, many nieces and nephews, and his dog, Floyd.
Wojtek was preceded in death by his parents Karol and Maria, and his siblings, Antek, Theresa, and Jadwiga
Visitation will be Sunday, February 26, 2023, from 2 p.m. to time of prayers 5 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
Mass will be Monday, February 27, 2023, at 1 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 297 Jefferson Street, Hampshire.
Interment to follow mass at St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery.
Wojtek was an incredibly giving person and would always consider those in need. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to the American Cancer Society. https://everloved.com/life-of/wojciech-wlodek/
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Mr. WOJCIECH Was a great guy and a great neighbor, always walking through the back yard to go fishing and always giving a friendly wave. He will be missed. Rest in peace. Condolences to the Wlodek family.