Donald Allen "Don" Wack Obituary (1940

Donald Allen Wack passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at home, following a long illness with his wife Linda by his side. Don was born Jan. 28, 1940, in Champaign, the son of Donald "Cot" and Agnes (Zech) Wack. He graduated from Mansfield High School in 1958, graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1962, served in the Army National Guard and had a long career at the University of Illinois' Office of Facilities Planning. He had three children with his first wife and ultimately married Linda in 2003. Survivors include wife Linda Wack, sons Michael Wack (Sue) of Newburyport, Mass. and Craig Wack of Memphis, Tenn.; stepchildren Jami Harms of Mahomet and John (Andrea) Harms of Humboldt, Iowa and nine grandchildren: Skyler Wack, Dylan Wack, Demi Wack, Jack Sheridan, C.J. Sheridan, Camden Harms, Grady Harms, Grace Harms and Emmi Harms. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother who died soon after birth and his daughter, Laura (Jim) Sheridan of Durand, Ill. Don was known for a rapier wit and unique turn of a phrase that entertained his co-workers, occasionally embarrassed his family and often put mouthy Cubs fans in their place. He was a die-hard supporter of Illinois football and basketball and was a season ticket holder for both teams for many decades. His first and longest sporting love was for the St. Louis Cardinals, carrying an encyclopedic knowledge of the team's players and stats ready at a moment's notice. After a 30-year career at the U of I, Don enjoyed a retirement of nearly the same length. During this time, he was active with the Mansfield American Legion Post 650 and consulted with the Mansfield Village Board, but he still found plenty of time for many rounds of golf, cold beers and winters in Siesta Key, Fla. Visitation for Don will take place on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. followed by a memorial service at the Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home in Mansfield. A very special thank you to the Bloomington Carle Home Health and Hospice Care team for all their support. Memorials can be made to the Northern Piatt County Fire Protection District or the Mansfield American Legion Post 650.