John C. Walczak

After battling many years of health issues, John Christopher Walczak passed away peacefully at the home he shared with Shelly, his wife of nearly fifty years, on February 22, 2023 . In his final years, John was expertly cared for by Shelly and their daughters, Laurie and Heidi. He also appreciated visits from close family and friends. John was born on March 9, 1949 to Edward and Dorothy Mae Walczak (deceased). His siblings include Dorothy Walczak of San Francisco, CA, Edward (Jan) Walczak of Antioch, IL, and Connie Walczak of San Francisco, CA (deceased). Chicago born and raised, John was a life-long Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox fan. As a young man, he raced stock cars, and he remained an auto enthusiast and motorsports follower his entire life, even watching this year’s Daytona 500. He could tell the year, make, model, and special features of just about any car he saw. He was a master model car builder whose work received many accolades and awards. In the early 1990s, John even built a 1:25 scale model of Dale Earnhardt’s racecar and presented it to Earnhardt himself, as well as team owner Richard Childress, at their garage in North Carolina. John shared these interests with his best friend Chris Ducey (deceased) and wife Verlene. John was also a history buff, an avid reader and book collector, and a Stephen King aficionado. He loved movies and even enjoyed working at the movie theater in Crystal Lake, IL in his retirement before health complications kept him home permanently. John served in the United States Army during the VietNam War. Over the course of his life, John was actively involved with Lions Club International, several veterans organizations, and many different charitable endeavors related to model car building. He particularly loved volunteering at the McHenry County Animal Shelter where he was known as the “lap dog whisperer” for his special ability to bring out the best in timid small dogs. John is survived by his wife Shelly (née Weber); daughter Laurie Barth Walczak, spouse Aaron Schleicher, and child Xavier Barth (18) of Milwaukee, WI; Heidi Walczak, spouse Bill Crittenden, and child Elijah Walczak (18) of Woodstock, IL; and beloved dog Winnie. John loved to point out that Laurie has a Ph.D. but lacks common sense and that Heidi is his partner in crime, sharing a love of movies, sports, and cars. John told the story of how before the girls were born, he was known only as “Shelly’s husband” in Richmond. John enjoyed a close relationship with Shelly’s parents, Raymond and Joyce Weber (deceased), as well as her siblings. John will be interred at Richmond Cemetery in Richmond, IL. At John’s request, there will be no visitation or memorial service. The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory can be made to Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions in Woodstock, IL at www.adoptaseniorpet.com.

John C. Walczak

March 9, 1949 - February 22, 2023