Wayne Willis

Wayne Willis

March 16, 1939 - May 8, 2025

Wayne Willis, age 86, of Mokena, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025-undoubtedly wearing one of his legendary Hawaiian shirts and probably still talking about the '90s era Bulls.

Born in Chicago on March 16, 1939, to Ralph and Florence Willis, Wayne was a true original. He was the proud owner of the Mokena Printery, a business he built up after purchasing it in 1980. He ran it with pride, precision, and the occasional strong opinion, right up until his retirement in 2015.

Wayne met the love of his life, Judy Hemmrich, on the Rock Island train line-a true commuter romance, even getting his call name for her tattooed on him, "Judy my Angel". They were married on April 20, 1963, at St. John's United Church of Christ in Mokena and spent 62 happy years together, filled with love, laughter, and a shared appreciation for fishing, Vegas buffets and gambling, and well-landscaped yards.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Wayne was also a proud member of the Golden Glass Corvette Club, a connoisseur of prime rib (Bogart's turned Primal Cut was a favorite, but Al's Steakhouse in Joliet was never far behind), and a loyal fan of the White Sox, Chicago Bears, and of course, those championship Bulls. He was equally enthusiastic about romantic comedies-especially anything starring Julia Roberts-and westerns with John Wayne and the Magnificent 7.

Judy and Wayne belonged to a Canasta and Pinochle card club. They were always up for a good game of cards.

When not enjoying his favorite rom-coms or bowling a respectable game, Wayne could often be found outside planting trees in his perfectly manicured yard or spending time with his beloved German Shepherds, the last being his loyal companion Mekka.

Wayne is survived by his beautiful and devoted wife, Judy Willis; his children Dawn (Jim) Funk, Jeff (Anne) Willis, and Barbara Willis; grandchildren Alicia (Chris) Cameron, Tristan Funk, Connor Willis, Madison Willis, and Maddox Willis; great-granddaughter Everleigh Cameron; and his sister Roxanne (Melvin) Doogan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Florence Willis.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by a service at 5:00 PM, all at Vandenberg Funeral Home in Mokena. Final disposition will be private.

Wayne's quick wit, kind heart, and impeccable taste in shirts will be missed more than words can say-but his stories, his laugh, and his unwavering love for his family will live on forever.