Donald R. Weakley

Don is survived by his children: Susan (Cliff) Holst, Stevan Weakley, and Scott (Simone) Weakley; grandchildren Jeremy (Lauren) Myers, Zach Myers, Brett Myers, Shannon (Ben Welser) Weakley, Sam (Katy) Weakley, Donald(Nathalie)Weakley, and Jessica Rodriguez; and great grandchildren: Austin Myers, Ethan Myers, McKinzie Welser, Mason Welser, Nicholas Donald Weakley, Hunter Luneke, Alexis Luneke, Bronx Costa, and Onyx Costa.

Don was a natural leader with a passion to succeed at everything he set his mind to. Throughout his life he had such a positive impact on so many people. Don was the youngest of three boys, and his mother had many health issues when he grew up. His dad walked to work and worked long hours. Don spent time living with other families and often fending for himself. He sold newspapers by the Great Lakes Naval Training facility as a little boy to make some money.

Don was very proud to be a Marine (Semper Fi!) and of his combat service in the Korean War. What he endured and fought through during the war was just one of his many life achievements. Don studied electronics in the Marine Corp.

After he completed his Marine duties, Don took his military electrical training and secured a job with Illinois Bell Telephone (AT & T). Don retired with 30 years at Illinois Bell. He also was very proud to represent The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as a Chief Steward. His leadership qualities served him well working with the union membership and representing them to the corporate team. Don married Julie Valencic in 1959, and his love and dedication for and to her was deep and lasting. They were a powerful couple who worked together on mutual goals. Don would frame and build a garage; Julie would shingle it. They worked so hard at everything. Don would go on to make many public speeches that Julie would write for him.

Don was a proud dad of three kids, Susan, Stevan, and Scott. As with everything Don and Julie did, they were passionate about being parents.

Don had a love for The City of Waukegan and was determined to make a difference there. For decades Don held the position(s) of Alderman followed by the Director of Governmental Services for the City of Waukegan. Don was an honest, hardworking, driven leader that got things done.

While having careers, and raising kids, Don and Julie pursued their passion for their Croatian Heritage and founded The American Croatian Waukegan Tamburitzans in 1972. They started in their garage and grew the nonprofit organization though recruiting amazing families of volunteers and working arm and arm with this team. They formed Junior as well as adult Tamburitzan musical groups that traveled to perform music and dance throughout the US, Canada and Europe. They secured a building with a place to hold practices, a bar, and a kitchen. They held a Friday night Fish fry, and the club hosted enormous Croatian picnics with whole roast lambs and lots of music and dancing. Words cannot describe the exceptional group of people that built this organization, with Don at the helm and Julie supporting him in every way.

Don was honored to support the Croatian Fraternal Union of America (CFU) for many decades. Don was a lifetime member and longtime President of CFU Lodge 75 in Waukegan. Don started his tenure with the CFU’s Junior Cultural Federation (JCF) Board in 1978 as a Trustee. He has held the position of President and Vice President of the JCF Board. Don also served on the High Trial Board for the CFU for two terms. Don served over 40 years in various positions with the CFU, and for his commitment was named as an Honorary CFU Lifetime Member.

Don’s passion for golf, and a natural talent, led him to seven documented holes in one! Don had a special “luck” that his friends both admired and were frustrated by. It seemed he would win the golf tournaments’, skill shots, and/or the raffles and door prizes!

Don’s love for cars led him to own a wide range of classics throughout his life. But his last one, a 34 Street rod was his pride and joy. He loved to meet his friends at car shows and visit with other car enthusiasts.

Don was known by family and friends for his charm, great sense of humor, passion, and support. He was such an amazing person and will be dearly missed!