Wayne Russell Wackerlin

Wayne Russell Wackerlin of Ottawa, IL died unexpectedly on October 31, 2017 due to injuries sustained by a fall at work.  Wayne was born on April 24, 1992 in Sycamore, IL and enriched and blessed the lives of everyone he met for 25 years.  He attended St. Columba Grade School, graduated Marquette High School in 2010, and earned an Associate's Degree in Agri-Business from Joliet Junior College in 2012.  He was the Manager for three FS Grain Elevators, was co-owner of JW Firewood, farmed over 200 acres on his own, farmed and baled hay and straw with his best friend and beloved father for years, and had various snow plowing jobs in the winter.  His infectious smile, heart of gold, kind spirit, gentle and selfless soul, one-of-a-kind sense of humor, and unending love for his family and friends will be missed by all.  Wayne passed from this earth doing what he loved, and he lived life to the fullest with his “work hard, play hard” approach to life.

Wayne leaves behind his parents Russell and Beth (Strock) Wackerlin, siblings: Elizabeth Wackerlin, Benjamin Wackerlin, and Carolann “CJ” Wackerlin; a special niece, Grace Wackerlin (Ben Wackerlin); Grandmother Carole (Miller) Strock; special aunts and uncles: Roy (Margaret) Wackerlin, Richard Wackerlin, Jane (Bruce) Whitt, Sandi (James) Ivemeyer, Barb (James) Diemer; a large family including: Steve (Stella) Strock, Robert (Debbie) Wackerlin, Deacon Ronald Wackerlin, Ralph (Sue) Wackerlin, Randy Wackerlin, Jennifer (Robert) Lunn; many cousins who he loved dearly; and several great aunts and great uncles. Wayne also leaves behind his girlfriend, Leanne Schilling and an immeasurable number of close friends and parents of those friends, neighbors, work friends, farmer friends, trucker friends, Knights of Columbus friends, Marquette Academy friends, and the list could go on and on.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Paul “Papa PJ” Strock and paternal grandparents, Ralph and Pauline (Frieders) Wackerlin.

Visitation is slated for Monday, November 6th from 1:00-8:00 PM at Gladfelter Funeral Home in Ottawa.  A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7th at 4:00 PM at St. Columba Church in Ottawa with Rev. David Kipfer and Deacon Ronald Wackerlin officiating. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life dinner immediately following Mass at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Ottawa.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a foundation set up to offer grants to young farmers who desire to get started in the business he loved so very much. Checks paid to the order of The Wayne Wackerlin Memorial Fund may be mailed to The First National Bank of Ottawa, 701 LaSalle St. Ottawa, IL 61350.

Wayne was a selfless giver in life.  It is not surprising that upon his death he continued this legacy.  As a registered organ and tissue donor and through the Gift of Hope Foundation Wayne Russell will live on in others, as he will in all our hearts forever.