William T. Zdeblick

Strong, honorable, steadfast, joyful, peaceful, creative, and nurturing – those are the qualities we cherish most in William Thomas Zdeblick, and we invite you to celebrate his life with us. “Bill Z” was born January 15, 1920, in Chicago, IL, and departed from us April 24, 2008 in Denver, CO. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary, his parents, Anna (nee Skoczylos) and Joseph Zdeblick, and seven of his eleven siblings. Bill lovingly supported a large family, including his beloved wife of 54 years, Mary Zdeblick, his six children and their spouses, and 15 grandchildren. His family included William J. and Joy (nee Bodine) Zdeblick in Ann Arbor, MI, and their children Nicholas (and Beth) Zdeblick in Houston, TX, and Anna in Atlanta, GA; Marianne and Frederick Wamboldt in Denver, CO, and their children Krystyna in Washington, D.C., and Alexander in Providence, RI; Thomas and Catherine (nee Drazba) and their children Andrew, Julie, John and Madeline in Madison, WI; Theodore and Sue (nee Banker) and their children Kaitlin (in Villa Nova, PA), Andrew and Lauren, in Southington, CT; Mark and Melanie Smitt and their children Daniel and Grace in Portola Valley, CA; and Michael and Laurel (nee Meyer) and their children William and Jade in Glen Ellyn, IL. Bill served his country both in the CCC Camps, as well as in the Army on the Pacific front during WWII. He saw active combat as an infantryman in the battles at Leyte and Okinawa, and remained a lifelong member of the “Deadeyes.” Shortly after returning from the Pacific, his parents died and, as the eldest male in a family of 12, became the effective “head-of-family,” managing to keep his siblings together until the youngest became of age and independent over a decade later. He graduated with a BFA from the Art Institute of Chicago, started his own photography studio, and for a short time was an artist for the Chicago Sun Times. He soon joined Science Research Associates (later, through acquisition, IBM), where he was Art Director for over 25 years and made significant contributions in the design and packaging of educational materials, including one issued U.S. Patent. After retirement, he enjoyed the art of acrylics and especially watercolors, and many of his paintings now grace the walls of family and friends. Bill was a founding member and loyal supporter of St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, served as a Boy Scout Leader for years, and was an active parent supporter of the Maine South High School band, sports and foreign exchange student programs. For fun, he enjoyed Ukrainian dancing, made exquisite Ukrainian Easter eggs, bowled in numerous leagues, golfed, and fished. He always relished being with family and friends, and his eyes twinkled as he teased and encouraged those around him. His last years were spent in Denver, Colorado, where he lovingly took care of his wife who, even in a chronically ill condition, inspired and enriched the lives of those around her with her patience, persistence and positive outlook. To his last months and days, he always had a ready smile for everyone who interacted with him, and regularly brought tears of laughter to caregivers. Family and friends are invited to gather for a wake at Muzyka and Son Funeral Home, 5776 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60630 (773-545-3800) on April 29, 2008 from 4 to 9 pm. The “Panachyda" , or prayer service, will take place at 7 pm. The funeral will begin on Wednesday, April 30, at 9:30 am at Muzyka Funeral Home, and process to St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 5000 N Cumberland Ave, Chicago, IL 60656, for a Funeral Mass at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, his children are establishing a fund at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church to honor all of the Founders of that Church, which played a central role in their development and was always close to the hearts of both Bill and Mary. Donations can be sent to this fund through Muzyka Funeral Home.

William T. Zdeblick

January 15, 1920 - April 24, 2008