Walter Stryszyk Obituary

STRYSZYK, Walter

Walter Stryszyk, 77, of North Charleston died Friday March 2, 2007 at his residence after a courageous battle against lung disease. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM Tuesday, March 6th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Goose Creek, SC. Visitation will be held at MCALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 100 S. Goose Creek Blvd., Goose Creek from 6-8:00PM Monday March 5, 2007 with the vigil beginning at 7:00PM. Mr. Stryszyk was born December 5, 1929 in Chicago, IL, son of the late Walter F. Stryszyk and Augusta Stryszyk. He was also preceded in death by his brother Herbert Stryszyk, sister, Rita Sarnowski, and loving in laws Mary & John Cichy. He is survived by his beloved wife Rita (Cichy) of 56 years, loving daughter Barbara (William) Ims of Fox River Grove, IL, son Craig Stryszyk of San Diego, CA. He was preceded in death by his son, David Stryszyk, USN. He is also survived by grandchildren: Kelly (Gabriel) Stoia, Christopher Ims, Matthew Ims and Michael Ims and great grandson Nicholas Stoia. Also survived by loving cousin Georgiana (Mike) Nawrocki, sister in law, Carolyn (Norbert) Wojtecki, brother in law Richard (Nancy) Cichy, sister in law, Betty (Andy) Bellavia; predeceased sisters in law Elaine Guck, Emilie Carlon, Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Upon graduation from Wells High School in Chicago, IL he joined the US Army and served in Japan and Korea during the Korean War, and attained the rank of sergeant first class. Upon returning home, he was employed by Lyons Band Instrument Company and later for Karnes Music Co. where he retired after 34 years. While employed by Karnes he became a member and President of the National Association of Band Instrument Repair Technicians. Upon moving to Wheeling, IL in 1957 he became active in village government and served on several commissions. He served as coach of the Wheeling Little League Pack #39. His family became members of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in 1957 and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and active in several parish fund raisings including Wheeling Family Fest. He was also a member of AMVETS Post 66 during which he became commander. After retirement Wally and Rita moved to Florida where they lived for 2 years before moving to Charleston, SC. He and Rita joined Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he became an active member as an Eucharistic minister and lector and a member of Knights of Columbus Council 11990 where he was a 4th degree Knight and served as Pastoral Care administering communion to patients at Trident Hospital where he also volunteered in the surgical waiting room, as liaison between the surgery dept. and patients' families. Walter has had a full life but managed to enjoy his love of fishing from Canada to South Carolina, golfing until recently, as well as his weekly poker games at the Elms clubhouse on Wednesday nights. In the spring for the past 6 years he volunteered as a street marshal at the Charleston Historical Foundation Festival of House and Gardens. After services in Goose Creek his family will have him taken to Wheeling IL for a memorial service and burial in All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL next to his son David. Walter's family is most grateful to the wonderful caring support and concern by Hospice of Charleston as well as the prayers thoughts and support of so many friends and neighbors during his illness. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Hospice of Charleston, 3870 Leeds Ave., Suite 101 North Charleston, SC 29405 or Immaculate Conception Building Fund, 510 St. James Ave., Goose Creek, SC 29445. Condolences may be sent via www.mcalsiter-smith.com. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.