Tassilo R. Lawin

Tassilo Ralph Lawin, 81, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 9, 2026, in Crystal Lake, IL, surrounded by his family and leaving behind a rich legacy and a family who treasured him deeply.

Born on March 19, 1945, in Iserlohn, Germany, to Hannelore and Rolf Emil Lawin, Tassilo often reflected warmly on his childhood in Germany, sharing cherished memories of his outdoor adventures on the resort owned by his maternal grandparents. In his youth, he and his mother immigrated to Calgary, Canada, before settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Tassilo graduated from Riverside High School and went on to pursue higher education at the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Milwaukee is where Tassilo met the love of his life, GerdaMarie. Their paths crossed at the Bavarian Soccer Club, where Tassilo was an active player, and GerdaMarie’s father served as a former president. Their whirlwind romance soon led to the altar on May 28, 1967, at Gospel Lutheran Church.

Tassilo adored GerdaMarie with his whole heart. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised a family, making homes across Wisconsin, New Hampshire, New York, and Illinois. Tassilo was a deeply devoted, present, and engaged father and grandfather. He served as an unwavering anchor for his four children—Tanya, Travis, Torrance, and Tessa—who were all named with the letter “T” in his honor. To his five grandchildren, he was their playful "Opa," inventing original games out of household odds and ends to bring endless smiles to their faces.

His abiding faith in the Lord was clearly evident in his actions and the way he generously cared for and served others. Professionally, Tassilo was exceptionally hardworking throughout his 40-year career in the circuit board industry, finding joy in providing for his family. Driven by his love for connection and music, Tassilo founded the "Old Time Radio" program for seniors at Immanuel Lutheran in Crystal Lake and led it with GerdaMarie for 17 years—bringing the community together through music, nostalgic skits, delicious food, and true Gemütlichkeit.

Outside of work and ministry, Tassilo lived life with quiet enthusiasm and a rich variety of interests. He had a deep appreciation for nature, whether taking hikes or simply sitting outside on the patio soaking in its peaceful sights and sounds. A true car enthusiast, he built and raced slot cars, and was an avid reader. Music was another great passion—Neil Diamond, Roger Whittaker, and traditional German tunes served as the soundtrack to his life. Above all, soccer was in his blood. A gifted defenseman who helmed the last man position, Tassilo competed until he was 63 years old.

GerdaMarie, his beloved wife of 59 years, survives him, as do their four children and their spouses: Tanya (Joe) Calendo, Travis (Sarah) Lawin, Torrance (Nancy) Lawin, and Tessa (Tim) Lawin-Brennan. He is also survived by his five cherished grandchildren: Tanya and Joe’s children, Joseph Tassilo, Joshua, and Jacob; and Travis and Sarah’s children, Benjamin and Samantha. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hannelore Wilke and Rolf Emil Lawin, and his beloved parents-in-love, Heinz and Gerda Wedekind.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 25 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Visitation at 10:00 am and a service celebrating his life will follow on Saturday, September 26, at 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.