I read with sadness about Tim's passing in the Notre Dame H.S. Alumni magazine. I sat next to Tim in several classes at NDHS, and played football with him on some very good NDHS teams between 1959 and 1963, when we graduated. I wasn't very good, but Tim got me to see the fun in everything, either in class or in sports. He drove some of the teachers a little crazy with his humor and antics, but I loved being around him. I lost touch with Tim after High School, but will forever be grateful to have known him. Tim's family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Greg Kramp, Class of '63, Atwater, CA

Dear McCaskey family, 

I grew up living next door to you in Des Plaines.  Tim was a dear friend when we were little.  I remember his wit and oh, that smile. He was so gentle and kind to everyone he met.  While I hadn't seen him in many years I will always have very fond memories of him and your family.  May God bless him and watch over all of you until you meet again.  May your memories bring you comfort.  (((HUGS)))

Dear McCaskey family,
I worked with Tim at IMC in the 80s.  What I remember most about Tim: he referred to his children as his "cherubs", he was quick to smile, he was funny and he was kind.  May God bless him for his goodness and watch over all of you until you see him again.

To Mike & Anne & the entire McCaskey family,

We are so very sorry for the loss of your brother Tim.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sorrowful time. May your loving memories bring you comfort.

The McCaskey family will be in our thoughts and prayers and we wish you condolences on your loss. Although I did not know Tim personally, I have been friends of the McCaskey family for over forty years as well as neighbors for many years in Des Plaines. God bless you all from Dan Benge and family in Vancouver, WA.

May Jesus be at you side to comfort you.  May his Mother Mary dry the tears from your eyes and may the memories of Tim be in your hearts always.

To the McCaskey Family:

My deepest condolences on the loss of Tim.  While I know some of you, Virginia and George, I didn't have the pleasure to know Tim.  I mourn with your family and friends upon your loss.

To the whole McCaskey family our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time, he was a great friend and neighbor. Ray and Brenda Gleason

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

My fondest memories are of Tim holding court to relish the laughter of the moment.

Tim is probably already holding court on the other side of the pearly gates.

Dear Virginia and Family, My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with you during this sad time.

Dear Virginia and Family, My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with you during this sad time.  Dorothy Burchard and family

Dear McCaskey family,
    We were so sad to hear the news on Tim's passing.  Our shared family legacies go far back, and I can still see and feel Tim's smile and great spirit.  Know that all the Quinns are with you as you celebrate Tim's life, his contributions, his dear extended family and Chicago Bear connections. We surround you with love.  May memories of all his talents and gifts, humor and faith lift you up during this difficult time. He continues to be a big, beautiful part of your wonderful family.

Love,
Maureen Quinn
Centennial, CO

Kevin, We are very sorry about the loss of your father. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rob and Jan Pharr

A lifelong connectedness shares hearts...and so our hearts are with yours in your loss of Tim...a delightful, kind, generous, funny human being that we were Graced to know.
We are grateful for his life in this world...and extend a precious hug to all his family over the miles and years,
Charlie and Sheila (Quinn)Simpson

The McCaskeys and the Quinns have a long history of friendships, fun and laughter as our large clans navigated life together with strict (but witty) Irish parents. Life won't be quite the same now without Tim's lil twinkle, great spirit and mischievous smile. Blessings to you all in this difficult journey of grief. We are with you in prayer across the miles.

Kevin and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this sad time.  We are so very sorry for your loss.

My deepest sympathies we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May your memories of the good times together comfort you and your family.

Where ever a beautiful soul has been--there is a trail of beautiful memories. Thank You Tim for the memories. My condolences to your family.

To the McCaskey family I'm sorry for your loss

Dear Brian,
Please except our heartfelt condolences with the passing of your brother Tim. Your family are in our thoughts.
Carol and Ulfur Thors
Scott DeVito

Our heartfelt sympathies to the entire  McCaskey Family.  To Brian and Amanda.. you are in our thoughts and prayers. Time heals, but wonderful memories stay with us forever.   Love, John & Ardelle Scohy

My sympathy and prayers for all the McCaskey family.  I knew Tim from his IMC days.  He was funny and kind and everyone loved him.  He was the truest, best Bears fan I ever knew. He was a great friend and I will hold to some wonderful memories.

To Virginia; Tim's children, his siblings, their spouses and children:  Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your son, Dad, brother, Uncle and friend.  May your memories of happier times sustain you in the days to come.  You all are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.  

Sincerely, 
Betty Swanson, Kathy and Kevin

Dear Kevin, Brian,Scott, & Laura,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad.  May the love of family and friends comfort all of you at this sad time.
Think of all the good times and fun we all had on "Russet Way" and we remember all the stories our Judi would tell us about "Football Sunday" when she would babysit for the 4 of you.  We will never forget all the good times.
All our thougts and prayers are with all of you.  Please give your darling mom a hug and a kiss from us.
Love to all of you.
Mel & Anne Gilson & Michael & Family.

Laura - I am so sorry about the loss of your father.  Please know that you and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Scott, Nancy, Laura and Eric - My thoughts are with all of you and wishing you peace at this time.  Hold close to the memories that you have as they are the real tribute to your father/father-in-law.

Pat, So sorry to hear about your brother. He'll be in my prayers. Jay Esterquest

To Virginia McCaskey and the entire family of Tim's, I extend my condolences and wish for you Peace at this time of loss.  I am in deep appreciation to the entire McCaskey/ Halas family for keeping the Spirit of GHS alive.  My love and appreciation goes deep and long and way back to when I was 10 or 11 watching the Bears on Sunday afternoons on TV.  When my dad was killed in Oct. of '85 and my grandfather died a few weeks later (we were part of a family business), my shattered feeling of sadness and loss were comforted and healed beyond belief when, in a strange sort of way, the Bears started "Shuffling" their way right to the Super Bowl.  I proclaim myself as Nebraska's biggest fan, have attended many Bear Conventions, a game, met Virginia, have tons of Bear stuff and would love to start a Nebraska chapter of a Bears Fan Club.  I met Tim once and a fine man he was.  
Bears football is more than football and goes beyond the field.  It is a belief, a way of life, a zest for life and a reason for life.  George S. had zip, fire , passion and enthusiasm.  The McCaskey family has carried on the tradition.  
My association with the Bears and ultimately the McCaskey family has been a Spiritual/ mystical sort of thing.  I draw strength from the Bears family and am deeply indebted.
A couple cherished items are a Division Champions cap and t-shirt I received in the mail some years ago from Ed Mccaskey Sr.  I sent him the following piece I wrote which describes one of the proudest and most humbling nights of my life.  "My Salute to Soldier Field" is also a tribute to Tim and the welcoming committee that met him at the gates up in Heaven a few days ago.  It's about his Spirit that "ran the good race."  
My thoughs and prayers are with you all at this time.      

 My Salute to Soldier Field
By Randy Lukasiewicz

In the early sixties, I was just a scrawny little kid like my son Zach, full of adventure, wonder and excitement. I had just gotten my 1st Voit football and thought I could level anything in sight and pound out the yardage just like my hero, Mike Ditka. He had just done it on TV against Pittsburgh and now it was my turn out in the snow-covered gravel street with my buddies. To me, I was unstoppable and one of the best in the town of Farwell, NE. a small Polish community of 140 people. Little did I realize that a Chicago Bear fan was being shaped and molded. Little did I realize where that same spirit of adventure, wonder, and excitement would take me on a dark, cold, windy, night in Chicago. Forty years later, I would be the last fan out of the historic Soldier Field minutes before it would be secured and demolished for renovation at 12:00 A.M. January 21th, 2002.

Recently, I received a call from John S. Smith from Fremont and, until then, honestly felt I was the biggest Chicago Bear fan in the state. After visiting with John, I volunteered my ranking to 3rd, only to John and his brother. He wondered if I was going to get any stadium seats from Soldier Field prior to renovation. I couldn't afford them but on the other hand, something told me I couldn't afford not to.

Sunday, Zach and I arrived in Chicago around 9:30 p.m. I knew the approximate location because of my one and only game attendance back in 1986 against the Lions. Now, at night, I knew the lights would lead me. Sure enough, the Lake Shore Dr. signs lead us right to the Field, aglow with lights as if the legends and heroes of today and past were leading their team, in the midst of the roaring thousands, on to victory. In awe and almost a reverence and with hardly a car or person in view, we followed the signs and slowly approached Soldier Field.

As I exited in the direction of the lights I yelled to Zach,"there it is, Soldier Field." I knew we were there. The signs said so "Exit Here. Bear Chairs Pick Up Begins 1/21/02, 9:00 AM." Some day, hopefully sooner than later, he will appreciate our evening hours there. How proud and chilling was the feeling of slowly approaching the famous structure to be silently and boldly greeted by Soldier Field. Dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Forces. Through renovation and improvements, I pray that entrance wall will still stand reminding all who the real builders of this complex are and why it was built and the real cost of the freedom we all experience.

I couldn't believe we had just driven 500 miles and walked right into Soldier Field. the holy ground of George Halas, Red Grange, Bronco Nagurski, Sid Luckman, Mike Ditka, Walter Payton, Brian Piccolo, Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus, Doug Buffone, Coach of the Year Jauron, the McCaskey's and the endless list of my Midway heroes. It was like visiting an old friend, one that I hadn't seen in a long time and yet totally at home with despite the years being away. Actually, it was kind of sad. The stadium was majestic as ever, dignified, honorable, welcoming, and charming. It reminded me of the time I saw the original Howdy Doody just hanging up backstage after a show. He wasn't up talking and bouncing around. His life was gone. Now, something is missing here.

Tonight I felt some life gone from this friend of mine that brought so much honor, excitement, controversy and pride to this Windy City. The hallways were empty, the roaring fans were silent, the radios were missing, the smell of brats and beer were gone, no warrior-painted faces and bodies, and no signs visible as the heavy equipment roared across the grass-less field. The keepers of the gate politely showed where my "out of bound" was. For a couple of more hours I stayed "in bounds" for fear of "stopping the clock." I took some pictures, walked and drove around in silence, told Zach a few stories, and just absorbed the time, the many angled views of the famous columns and so many of them in and out, the history, the sight, the sounds, and wondering about my friend's future. Speaking of friends, dad even came to mind. He and Soldier Field came into being the same year. Loving stories, I imagine he and Halas are exchanging them now. All the other doors were closed but I just drove around just hoping to find an open one. There weren't but I didn't want to miss a thing or a sight.

What made this time so precious was the silence other than the wind and faint bulldozer noises. The real noise was gone. I missed the crowds. I was missing the thrilling cheers of victory and the painful agony of a defeat just a few short hours ago. My time was coming. I knew I would have to say good-bye. Without Hope, good-byes are painful. I trust Soldier Field will live on in our hearts, minds and memories. That is what George Halas and all of those men and women of the armed services in whose honor this field was dedicated would have wanted to value, respect and honor Freedom, to give thanks for it and be willing to pay the price. I trust the renovated stadium will preserve much of the past and provide even more proud moments, sights, and sounds to add to an already great Bear history.

My intention was to visit the stadium the night before just to find out where to get in line to pick up our little piece of Beardom. We came to wait out the night. The wait reminded me of a wake. Just being with and waiting with a friend with hope and anticipation. The gate-keepers were correct. Midnight happened and the ever bright, ever glistening stadium      skylights dimmed. It was time to say goodnight and good-bye. I said goodnight full of adventure, wonder and excitement, and good-bye, but just for a couple years. In the meantime… BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS!

Tim McCaskey, Eternal Rest Be Upon You!

Our deepest condolences in your time of troubles...our many prayers are with you and all your families.

I knew Tim for about 20 years and thought he was truly a great person. He always was thoughtful of other people and had a great sense of humor. He told me several months ago that he had a great life and family and was thankful for that. He will be missed by all of us. My deepest sympathies to all of the Mccaskeys.

Our prayers are with the entire McCaskey Family.  We especially remember Tim's children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and his loving mother Virginia.
  Rev.Richard and Rev. Robert Gielow,CM

My thoughts and prayers are with the McCaskey family.  I will always remember the fun and good times we shared in Palatine when our children were playing Soccer together and Tim was coaching.  Tim was so good with the kids and always had us laughing.  I will also remember the night Tim sat in my basement with my elderly Father and listened to my Dad talk about his Grandpa Halas who was in the Commodore Barry KofC with him and Tim was so patient and also shared his remembrances with my Dad.  Rest in Peace Tim.  As always, Mary Jean Kennedy (Mrs. Kemmerly!!!)

To the family of Mr. McCaskey, I am very sorry for your recent loss. Soon the God of all comfort will end death forever. After my mother died I found this scripture to be of comfort: "In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even God himself would take me up" - Psalm 27:10

My deepest sympathies to the McCaskey family, and the entire extended Chicago Bears family on Tim's passing.  Thoughts and prayers of strength and support are with you all.

My deepest sympathies to the entire McCaskey family.  Tim was such a great guy -- always smiling and laughing.  He brought such joy to all around him and he will be missed by many.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with durnig this difficult time.  Shelley and Tracy Gentry

Our prayers are with the McCaskey family. God Bless!

Jared & Rachel Pierson

Our sincere sympathy to the entire McCaskey family and especially  to our good friend Ned on the loss of his brother. Brian and Lissa Ward (Syracuse, NY)

Tim was a fun individual and passed it on to his children and grandchildren!  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! We wish we could be there for Nancy and Scott as well. Take Care.
Kim, Kariya, Mia and Chris

Our prayers are with all of you! Wish we could be there for Nancy and Scott. 
Take Care, 
Kim, Kariya, Mia and Chris

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Lisa and Scott Brown

My deepest sympathy is with the family and may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. My prayers and thoughts are with them..

Dear Virginia and the entire McCaskey Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time..
What a wonderful faith and family you have to help you through your loss.
Ginny Concannon

Tim was a great boss and always made people laugh.  He will be truly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian and Amanda and all of the McCaskey family.  We are very sorry for your loss, and may your memories of Tim keep you at peace.

May all the McCaskey families know that Tim is at peace and no longer in pain. He is with our Lord, who has taking him under His wing. God bless you all and our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

~So many accomplishments
   So very many successes
~A wealth of hopes and dreams fulfilled
    Days and  days well-lived and now a legacy to celebrate
~May sweet memories encourage you at this time

My thoughts and prayers to all of you. The courage and support that you have given him over the last 17 months is truly amazing and he loved you all for it.

McCaskey Family,

In this sad time, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

With Our Deepest Sympathy & Love,
Paul, Karen(Castelic), Samantha, Wylie, and Cassandra Ambrosius

Scott and Laura,
I am so sorry for your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

OBITUARY

Timothy E. McCaskey

January 24, 1945 – January 30, 2011

Oehler Funeral Home

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