Harold Leander Wackelin, Jr., 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday, April 15th in Greenville, NC at Red Oak Assisted Living. A lifelong resident of Chicago, he was born February 3, 1923 to Harold L. Wackelin and Ebba Johnson Wackelin. He graduated from Calumet High School where he met his future wife, Delores Ann Rydell. He served as a Naval Aviator flying Corsairs in World War II achieving the rank of Lieutenant JG. Following his Naval service he graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology majoring in Aeronautical Engineering. During his career, he worked in the aeronautical and aerospace fields as well as an industrial sales engineer.
He is predeceased by his parents, Harold L. and Ebba J. Wackelin and his wife, Delores, who predeceased him in 1993. Surviving are one son, Bruce R. Wackelin and his wife Peggy of Greenville, NC; a grandson, Capt. Spencer C. Wackelin (USA) and his wife Kaitlyn of Schofield Barracks, HI; a sister, Iola Larson of Santa Barbara, CA along with a niece, several nephews and cousins. He is also survived by special friend and companion, Claire Volich of Arlington Heights, IL and longtime good friends and neighbors, George and Cathy Reichl of Palatine, IL.
“Hal,” as his friends knew him, enjoyed a variety of music, from Steppenwolf to Verdi and compiled a collection he listened to on a stereo system that he built from scratch. He spent many years enjoying square dancing with friends throughout the area. He was a talented craftsman. Whether he was working with wood, electronics, or a project around the house, he was meticulous in his planning and precise in his execution. Hal loved to read. He read everything from British poetry to volumes chronicling World War II history. Even in his later years he continued to subscribe to scientific magazines in order to keep his brain sharp.
Harold was a man of honor and integrity who devoted himself to his family, his country, and his friends. He lived his life on his terms and will be greatly missed.
Visitation, Saturday April 21, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until the start of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W 103rd St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. Interment to follow at Mt. Greenwood Cemetery, Chicago, IL.
Please share a memory and sign the guestbook at www.blakelamboaklawn.com.
Info: 708-636-1193 or www.blakelamboaklawn.com.
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