Walter William Tyszko

Walter William Tyszko age 90 of Vernon Hills, Illinois went to be with his Lord on Sunday, April 30, 2023. He was a strong, faithful, and kind man and the patriarch of a large and loving family.

Walter was born on October 13, 1932 on the north side of Chicago to Ralph and Lillian (Alm) Tyszko. He rode his bike to the lakefront to swim, and spent many hours at the YMCA after school. He attended Lane Tech High School and served as editor for the school newspaper. He grew up outside Wrigley field and as a kid used to pick up trash after the games and hand out programs to get free tickets to the next game. He cheered with pride when the Cubs finally won the World Series in 2016.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Northwestern University and was a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner. On June 27, 1953 he married the love of his life, Grayce Joan Puttkover.

Walt went to officer candidate school in Rhode Island and as an ensign served on the supply ship U.S.S. Marapi. He was most proud of serving aboard the U.S.S. Nicholas, the most decorated destroyer in the Navy.

An avid golfer, he achieved two hole-in-ones and was proud to play Pebble Beach with his best friend, Cliff.

Walt did the crossword puzzle daily, challenged his children with logic puzzles (even on vacation), loved to play Pinochle and, along with Grayce, became a Life Master in Bridge. He shared his love of cards and games with generations of kids.

A constant in Walt’s life was his strong faith and love and service to the Lutheran Church. He was a cradle Lutheran and spent Sundays at church with family often followed by breakfast and, in season, managing the family football pool of over 50 years and cheering for the Chicago Bears. He served on many Finance and Stewardship committees over the years.

He always put the best construction on everything, and his quick wit and sense of humor stayed with him to the very end, bringing comfort and joy to those around him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Grayce Joan (nee Puttkover) Tyszko, five children: Susan Kathleen Bosco, John Walter (Renee) Tyszko, Jennifer Lynn (Joseph) Prescia, Kirsten Elizabeth (Michael) Mullany, Marjorie Ann (Rev. Christopher) Hall; 23 grandchildren: Melinda (Scott) Bradley, Courtney (Joe) Scott, Kristen (Tim) Whiteford, Abigail Bosco, Michelle Bosco, Curt (Sarah) Tyszko, Kristine (Noah) Joseph, Courtney Berg, Shawna (Joseph) Batista, Kelly Berg, Nicole (John) Pittenger, Anthony (Stephanie) Prescia, Stephanie (Matt) Harnew, Cassandra Mullany, Kellie Mullany, Hannah Mullany, Erin Mullany, Mikayla Hall, Olivia Hall, Eliana Hall, Jack Hall and 27 great grandchildren: Phoebe and Milo Bradley; Joshua Scott; Harlan and Rosalie Whiteford; Cade, Chase and Colt Tyszko; Carly and Isaac Joseph; Grace, Kate, Maggie Jo and Joanna Batista; Michael, Molly and Megan Pittenger; Gracie Weston, Kaelyn and Kenna Minich; Cali, Harper, and Emery Prescia; Jacob, Alyson, Morgan, and Ryan Harnew.

He will join in heaven his parents, Ralph and Lillian; best friend and brother-in-law, Cliff; sister-in-law Marj; nephew, Cliff Curt; sister, Joyce, and grandsons Connor and John Jr.

His life was a living example of his favorite bible verse 2nd Corinthians 12:9 “My Grace is Sufficient for You”.

A remembrance will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville on Saturday, May 13. Visitation open house from 10am-12pm followed by a communion church service at 12pm. The family invites you to a celebration of life luncheon at Jameson's Charhouse in Vernon Hills immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society who provided needed medication during Walt’s treatment or The National Audubon Society in support of his life-long love for birds.