William “Willie” R. Fajkus, 64, of Wheaton, Illinois, passed away on August 8, 2026. He was born on October 22, 1961, to Jerry J. Fajkus and Elizabeth B. Fajkus, both of whom preceded him in death.

Willie was a lifelong resident of Wheaton and a graduate of Wheaton Central High School. He continued his education at College of DuPage and Illinois Benedictine College, where he also played soccer.

Soccer was a central part of Willie’s life for more than five decades. He was a player, coach, administrator and referee, dedicating much of his career to the development of soccer and young athletes. His coaching career included positions at College of DuPage, Waubonsie Valley High School, Illinois Benedictine, Glenbard South High School, Glenbard West High School, and youth soccer programs.

At College of DuPage, Willie served as head coach of the women’s soccer team and as an assistant coach for the men’s program. During his coaching career, he was part of numerous conference and regional championship teams, led teams to national tournament appearances, and received multiple coaching honors, including Region IV Coach of the Year and North Region Coach of the Year recognition.

Willie was also a longtime soccer referee, officiating more than 2,500 matches during a career that included IHSA and United States Soccer Federation assignments. Among his many experiences as an official, he was selected to referee the 2002 IHSA Boys State Finals.

Willie’s passion for soccer was deeply connected to his family. His father, Jerry J. Fajkus, was a pioneer in establishing youth soccer programs in the Wheaton area. Willie carried that legacy forward through his own many years of coaching and mentoring young players.

At the time of his passing, Willie was coaching at two area high schools. His commitment to youth soccer will continue through the Willie Fajkus Memorial Fund, which will support youth soccer programs, including those at the two high schools where he was coaching.

Willie is survived by his brother, Charlie J.(Debbie) Fajkus ; nephews Timothy J. (Stephanie) Fajkus and Chad J. (Emily) Fajkus ; and their children, Mona J. Fajkus and Chance J. Fajkus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry J. and Elizabeth B. Fajkus.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Willie Fajkus Memorial Fund https://gofund.me/39cf21315 or the American Heart Association.

A Celebration of Life is tentatively scheduled for Sunday afternoon, September 27, 2026, in the Wheaton/Warrenville area. Please email charlie.fajkus@gmail.com if you are interested in attending the Celebration of Life. Invitations with details will be sent out.