Walter J. Mikolajczyk formerly of Carol Stream peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his family on July 18th.  Wally/Laddie was born in Chicago on May 12, 1948 to HelenT Niewiadomski and Walter C. Mikolajczyk.  He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 53 years, Barbara (Bullard) Mikolajczyk, his children, Leigh (Sarah) Mikolajczyk, Paige (Roland) Westrick, his grandchildren, Caleb (Bethany), Calla, Charlotte, Cora and Cyrus Mikolajczyk; his sister Jacqueline Hojnacki, his brother-in-law James A. (Paulette) Bullard his nieces Joyce (David) Miller and JoAnn Hojnacki, his nephews, Richard and Andrew Bullard and many other friends and family.  He was preceded in death by his parents Walter C. and Helen T. (Niewiadomski) Mikolajczyk, and his brother-in-law James Hojnacki.

We have been overwhelmed with condolences and many people have been able to put into words what our hearts feel.  Wally was not the things that he did, but the impact he had on those around him. Enjoy the following quotes from friends and family.

"He was a lighthouse and a safe haven."  "I would not be the man I am today without him."

"Thank you for being a friend to all, for always being a source for humor and for offering the sage advise of a kid that only got older but never grew up."

"You are a strong man and very loved."

"But, the greatest memory I have is how he loved people – especially Barb and the kids.  Wherever Barb and the kids were involved, there was Wally."

"The world is dimmer without Wally."

"Wally brought joy and laughter everywhere he went.  Wally was always the life of the party, raising the spirits of everyone around him! Wally will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but never forgotten!"

"Wally was a force of nature."

"You may not realize this, but you and Wally gave us all something to look up to as teenagers. Thank you for that great example and know that you impacted my life way back when…"

"Mr. Mike's humor knew no bounds, and he never knew a stranger. His big hugs, warm smiles, wonderful laugh, and tender heart marked a wonderfully unique man. I am so glad to have had him as such an important part of my life."

"Your love for each other was really extraordinary and so inspirational. I remember when he would join us on choir trips. He was so sweet and funny and nutso."

"So many memories and so much love."

"Aside from being caring, funny, helpful, and hard-working and all the rest, Wally was always perceptive.  He encouraged me in many ways and I still appreciate the time he took to invest in me and so many other students."

"Time with him during choir festivities was phenomenal."

"You and Wally showed and taught me so much about how to love Jesus."

"He had such an outsized impact on everyone he came in contact with."

"He was your man, your hero and he loved you with all his heart."

"For a Christian, death is simply falling asleep and waking up with a new home address."

"I had the privilege to meet him just a handful of times. He made me feel like one of his wings was placed over me."

"I am going to miss a friend, shipmate and brother-in-law."

Wally loved people deeply and his legacy will remain with so many of us.  It is said "There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are gone, the light remains."

Wally/Laddie had a great love of people and had a "father's intuition" for anyone who needed laughter, love and support. He was father to all, many children that grew up on Elm Street in Wheaton, countless students at Wheaton Academy, Montini, and Lake Park High School, Sing Out Oak Park, where he worked with his wife Barbara to touch many lives.  His face lit up with every moment he spent with his grandchildren. He always had a smile on his face, a joke in his words and a prank in his mind.  His heart was seen and felt by all who knew him.  He always had a warm embrace and often shared tears with those who needed it.  His tenderness was known by all who encountered him. He had many interests and over the years and was involved in his Glenbard West reunion committee, a member at Wheaton Bible Church, ESDA, Past Master Glen Ellyn Masonic Lodge #950, Camaro Club, theater productions (community, semi-profession and high school), ministry with his wife, the Hallmark Channel, he was always up for breakfast and his car shows with his canary yellow '69 Camaro.  He worked as a mold maker for 57 years. Please do not be sad, he is with his Lord and Savior Jesus and finally a part of a choir, singing on pitch with his many loved ones that have preceded him.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to https://seasonsfoundation.org/donate/ .  Friends and family are invited to sign the virtual guest book HERE and please RSVP to his Celebration of Life on August 5th at 12PM-4PM at the American Legion in Carol Stream, IL through this link: Wally's Celebration of Life RSVP .