Wayne J. "Hutch" Hutchinson

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Wayne “Hutch” Hutchinson, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and treasured friend to all those whose lives he touched, on 9/6/2024. Hutch left us peacefully in his sleep at home in Franklin Park, Illinois at a young 85 years old. 

Hutch’s thoughtful kindness and cheerful entertainment to those around him were his signature hallmarks. Quick to offer a magic trick, a joke, empathy or wisdom as needed, the steadfastness on which his family and friends relied will be sorely missed. In his presence, a lady never, ever opened a door; not a family birthday passed without a carefully chosen, perfect card; if he made a promise, you could take it to the bank; and of particular note to the grandkids, he always kept a full candy dish. 

A Chicago native, Hutch lived the entirety of his full life in and around the Windy City except when proudly serving his country as a cryptographer in the US Army during the Vietnam war era. His sudden passing sadly precludes his participation in the Honor Flight, for which he was recently accepted. 

No accounting of Hutch’s rich life would be complete without his great personal passions: bowling, the Builder’s Tee and, a late entry, golf. Hutch was a bowling virtuoso from high school on, racking up dozens of tournament wins including the prestigious USBC national tournament. Hutch was honored this year at his 60th USBC tournament, something only 39 participants out of millions have ever achieved. He selflessly declined pro tour offers which would require extended absences from his family, but he continued to bowl twice a week (at least) until his last day of life, literally. Tuesday bowling (or golf), followed by poker and camaraderie with his lifelong friends in the Builder’s Tee Club, was the highlight of his week for nearly 60 years. (Followed closely by his Thursday league team—he loved you guys too!)

Hutch is survived in legacy by his wife, Sandra, nee Nowak; his children Paula Gibbs (Jeffrey); Vanessa Winkler (Jerral); and Cynthia Nunn (Scott.) He is preceded in passing by stepdaughter Lisa Sullivan (Dan). Devoted grandfather of Kurtis, Taylor & Morgan Downs, Augustus Winkler, Kyle Sullivan, and Hunter & Sierra Nunn. Cherished brother of Richard Haidacher (Marianne); Linda McAley (Dennis); and Sharon Rzeznikiewicz. Treasured “bonus father” of Andrew & Leah Giese and Bryanna Kubo. Beloved uncle, great uncle & friend to many, many more.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 13th (a lucky day in our family as Hutch was born on Friday the 13th) 2024 from 3 to 9 pm. A service will be held at 7 pm followed by military honors. Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home, 9568 Belmont Ave, Franklin Park, IL. In accordance with his wishes, Hutch will be cremated at the conclusion of services.