Arthur Wade Work

Arthur “Art” Wade Work, 71, of McHenry, Illinois and Sarasota, Florida, passed away suddenly in Sarasota on the eve of April 5th, 2023. Art was born on June 22, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois to soulmates Dolores Antonson and Wade Work Jr. Art graduated from Steinmetz High School in 1969 and married the love of his life, Colleen O’Connell, on April 25, 1975. Fulfilling their dream, they left the city and moved to the country to reside in Johnsburg, Illinois where they raised four loving children.

As a boy, Art spent his days in the city, but cherished his many summers on the farm in Tennessee visiting family. It wasn’t long before Art found his passion playing guitar and bass. Art loved music, whether he was playing with his band or simply sitting in his chair at home playing and singing the songs he had written and/or cherished.

Art retired from Carpenters Local 2087 in 2008. He worked tirelessly, rain or shine, in order to provide for his family. He built two beautiful homes from the ground up on nights and weekends for his family.

Aside from Art’s hard work ethic and love of music, he lived a full and faith-filled life. He enjoyed riding his Harley, making his weekly ‘check-in’ phone calls to loved ones, gator watching, and “feelin’ the breeze” with Colleen and his beloved pet, Tootsie, at their Happy Place. Art was called to utilize his carpentry skills during his ministry work in Haiti. Most of all, spending time with his loved ones and laughing with his wife, children, and grandchildren was his pride and joy. He was a generous, playful soul, with a soft southern manner (inherited from his father) and true Chicago grit. He never valued material things and was quick to point out what was real and meaningful in any situation. Art will be remembered as a selfless husband, father, papa, brother, and trustworthy friend.

Art is survived by his beloved wife, Colleen; children, Jody (Gilbert) Garcia, Wade (Michele McShea), Sara (Dan Stittgen), and Amanda (PJ) Meehan; grandchildren, Alivia, Caiden, Vincent, Daniel and Maisy; loving sister, Carol Lynn Work; loving In-laws, John (Celeste), Kathy, Peggy (Chip), Tom, Maureen, Charlie (Joyce), and Eileen (Jeff); many nieces and nephews who adored him; and beloved cousins and close friends who will miss him greatly.

Art was preceded in death by his grandson, John Arthur; parents, Wade and Dolores Work; and in-laws, Eugene and Eileen O’Connell.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Colonial Funeral Home, 591 Ridgeview Drive, McHenry, IL 60050 from 4 PM to 7:30 PM. A continued Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 Bull Valley Road, McHenry, IL 60050 from 10 AM to 11 AM. The Funeral Mass will start at 11 AM. The burial will follow at The Church of Holy Apostles Cemetery, 5211 Bull Valley Road, McHenry, IL 60050. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed, which can be viewed on The Church of Holy Apostles Facebook page at the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Arthur’s name to Catholic Assistance Missions, (http://www.catholicassistancemissions.org/contact), 4320 Crestwood St. McHenry, IL 60050 or to the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, (https://epilepsychicago.org/), 17 N. State Street, Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60602. Online condolences can be made at https://www.colonialmchenry.com/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the Work family.