Wayne Joseph Gawlik

It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Wayne Joseph Gawlik on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Wayne is survived by his wife, Shannon Beth Harkin Gawlik, since October 5, 1996. Their marriage was a lifetime of love, affection, and deep friendship. He is also survived by their daughter, Melissa Cecelia Gawlik Swarts, married to Larry Swarts, and his grandchildren Emma Gene, Alayna Rose, Brendan Douglas, and Dallas Barrera. He loved his family so deeply and devoted himself to being the best and most supportive husband, father, and grandfather and is already deeply missed.

Wayne was raised by his parents Lillian and Victor Gawlik Senior, and with his brother Victor Junior. He grew up in Chicago and enjoyed playing hockey, the drums, gardening, and softball. His entire life was centered around his family and friends. He was loved by everyone because he was such a wonderful person who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Although much of his family has passed or moved away, he remained very close with his cousins Karen and Joey throughout his life and marriage.

Wayne went to Lane Tech in Chicago and became a mechanical design engineer for many prestigious companies like Graycor and ESD. He loved his work and traveled for projects including helping to design and build a nuclear plant in Warsaw, Poland and another in Springerville, Arizona. He met his wife while working in Chicago in the Amoco Building redesigning tenant floors while Shannon worked for the office of the building where he reported progress. By the second date, they were already talking about their wedding and were together the rest of his life.

They lived the majority of their married life in Highland, Indiana and were very involved with Shannon's family Doug and Cecelia Harkin, and their three other children, Jeffrey Arleigh (children Justyn, Jeremy, and Jeffrey), Cassandrea Ann (children Sarah, Maggie, and Michael), and Kevin Douglas (Flo Frank) (son Jake). Aside from nieces and nephews, Kevin and Shannon are the only two remaining members of that family.

He continued his hobbies ultimately becoming an umpire for Grant Park in Chicago and also being a pitcher in his company's team. He also enjoyed beach volleyball and co-ed softball with his wife. He continued to play the drums and gardening, winning ribbons at the fair for his vegetables and herbs. Wayne brought joy and happiness to everyone whose life he touched with his warm smile. Please come out and say goodbye to him.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN, 46322 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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