Obituary for Joseph P. Welinske
JOSEPH P. WELINSKE
Joe Welinske pushed, prodded, plodded and played his way through 92 revolutions of the sun. His first year was in 1928 when movies were just starting to talk. He passed away in a year that will probably be most remembered for the Covid-19 pandemic. In between, he experienced most of the ups and downs of a middle-class American in an amazing 20th century.
The highlight of his life was his marriage and 70-year partnership with Estelle (Wozny). He cared for her deeply and always supported her in everything. They were rarely apart for more than a few hours. They settled together in Mayfair/Albany Park where they lived for forty years. Having kids was very important for Joe and Estelle and Jane and Joe were the product of that desire.
Chicago born, Joe was typical of his time and place. He enjoyed whacking a 16-inch softball, drilling a golf ball with a driver, and avoiding open frames at the bowling alley. He rarely told a joke, but he always enjoyed laughing at one.
Joe was congenial, kind, and gentle. He had a lot of friends. He came from a large family that included two dozen uncles and aunts, and his sister Dee and her family. He was a life-long Catholic and a member of the Holy Name.
He enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 and served as a pharmacist’s mate during the second world war. He treated the severely wounded while stationed in San Diego and Memphis.
Joe wasn’t book-smart, but he was honest, hard-working, and stoic. He was partners in business with his dad for his whole career. Always providing service with a smile and quality work, he kept life in balance by sticking to eight-hour workdays. He was never rich, but he never wanted anything much for himself.
A comfortable night at home was dinner with the family, peace and quiet, All in the Family or the Rockford Files on TV, one, maybe two Michelobs, and finally, falling asleep in his favorite chair.
Husband and wife of their times, Joe and Estelle packed up the station wagon and the kids for summer junkets to the 1964 NY World’s Fair, the 1967 Montreal Expo, Pike’s Peak in Colorado, and the national museums in Washington, DC.
He took care of his mom and dad when they became sick and he tended to them until they passed. He really enjoyed his grandkids and his great grand kids and they appreciated him as well.
Late life highlights including seeing the Pope in Rome, visiting Estelle’s extended family in Poland, and going on cruises and junkets to Las Vegas.
In the end, he suffered from dementia and resided for a year in a Des Plaines nursing home. He recognized his kids until the end, when he passed away from old age under a Covid lockdown.
Ninety-two years is a long time. Joe lived his life the way he wanted to. His community of friends and relatives were enriched by having known him. Joe Welinske will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to:
https://stedparish.org/elevator.html
or
https://www.stedwardchicago.org/fund-a-need.html
Info: 773-685-4400 or tohlefuneralhome..com
Joe Welinske pushed, prodded, plodded and played his way through 92 revolutions of the sun. His first year was in 1928 when movies were just starting to talk. He passed away in a year that will probably be most remembered for the Covid-19 pandemic. In between, he experienced most of the ups and downs of a middle-class American in an amazing 20th century.
The highlight of his life was his marriage and 70-year partnership with Estelle (Wozny). He cared for her deeply and always supported her in everything. They were rarely apart for more than a few hours. They settled together in Mayfair/Albany Park where they lived for forty years. Having kids was very important for Joe and Estelle and Jane and Joe were the product of that desire.
Chicago born, Joe was typical of his time and place. He enjoyed whacking a 16-inch softball, drilling a golf ball with a driver, and avoiding open frames at the bowling alley. He rarely told a joke, but he always enjoyed laughing at one.
Joe was congenial, kind, and gentle. He had a lot of friends. He came from a large family that included two dozen uncles and aunts, and his sister Dee and her family. He was a life-long Catholic and a member of the Holy Name.
He enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 and served as a pharmacist’s mate during the second world war. He treated the severely wounded while stationed in San Diego and Memphis.
Joe wasn’t book-smart, but he was honest, hard-working, and stoic. He was partners in business with his dad for his whole career. Always providing service with a smile and quality work, he kept life in balance by sticking to eight-hour workdays. He was never rich, but he never wanted anything much for himself.
A comfortable night at home was dinner with the family, peace and quiet, All in the Family or the Rockford Files on TV, one, maybe two Michelobs, and finally, falling asleep in his favorite chair.
Husband and wife of their times, Joe and Estelle packed up the station wagon and the kids for summer junkets to the 1964 NY World’s Fair, the 1967 Montreal Expo, Pike’s Peak in Colorado, and the national museums in Washington, DC.
He took care of his mom and dad when they became sick and he tended to them until they passed. He really enjoyed his grandkids and his great grand kids and they appreciated him as well.
Late life highlights including seeing the Pope in Rome, visiting Estelle’s extended family in Poland, and going on cruises and junkets to Las Vegas.
In the end, he suffered from dementia and resided for a year in a Des Plaines nursing home. He recognized his kids until the end, when he passed away from old age under a Covid lockdown.
Ninety-two years is a long time. Joe lived his life the way he wanted to. His community of friends and relatives were enriched by having known him. Joe Welinske will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to:
https://stedparish.org/elevator.html
or
https://www.stedwardchicago.org/fund-a-need.html
Info: 773-685-4400 or tohlefuneralhome..com