Gregg F. Wikierak

Gregg Wikierak, 69, of Crystal Lake passed away on November 29, 2023. Gregg was born on January 25, 1954 in Chicago, IL and raised in Edison Park. Gregg's life was a testament to his deep love for family, his passion for sports, and his unwavering commitment to his community.

Gregg and his wife, Cynthia, shared 42 years of marriage, building a strong and loving family together. Gregg was a proud father to three children: Brittany (Dustin) Collins, Brett (Linda) Wikierak, and Kacie (George) Dohrmann. His ten adoring grandchildren, Kennedy, Owen, Reid, Melanie, Jordi, Beau, Blakely, Henry, Vera, and Charlotte brought immense joy to his life.

From his days as a center fielder at Northern Illinois University to his career as a firefighter and paramedic with the Arlington Heights Fire Department, Gregg was always dedicated to his passions. He served his community for 32 years, forging deep bonds with his fellow firefighters and demonstrating his love for helping others.

But Gregg's impact extended far beyond the fire station. He was a lifelong teacher and coach in various sports, including wrestling, football, and baseball. He coached at  Marian Central Catholic, McHenry County College, St. Charles North High School, Holy Cross High School, and Notre Dame High School, leaving a lasting impression on his players, both in their athletic skills and their character development. He was an intense competitor and honored to be inducted into the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association and Marian Central Catholic Hall of Fames for his athletic achievements.

Gregg's love for the outdoors led him to become an avid fisherman, finding peace and contentment by the water's edge. He also served on several community boards, including YMCA Camp Nawakwa, McHenry County Youth Sports Association, and Firefighter Local 3105, showcasing his dedication to making his community a better place.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Carmela (LoCicero) Wikierak; his brother-in-law Scott Sabres, and his father-in-law, Hilary "Bud" Sabres.

He is further survived by his loving mother-in-law, Grace Sabres, and a host of relatives, including Karen (Phil) Guske, Susan Wikierak, Larry Sabres, Lisa Knecht-Sabres, Judy (Roger) Ferguson, Ken (Lisa) Sabres, Nancy (Tom) Schuette, Jim (Shannon) Sabres, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will also be fondly remembered by the countless players, coaches, friends, and firefighter brothers who were privileged to know him.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 6, from 3pm until 8pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Thursday, December 7, from 9:00am until prayers at 10:15am before Mass at 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1023 McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Burial will follow at Crystal Lake Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions in Gregg's honor to one of the following organizations: the Kevin White Foundation, YMCA Camp Nawakwa, or the Fire Department Coffee Foundation.