Placzek, Wayne J.

Wayne J. Placzek, 59, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Nov. 30, 2011, following a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. There will be a gathering with the family on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cedar Memorial Family Center.

Wayne was born Aug. 31, 1952, to Stella and Adam Placzek in Chicago, where he lived with his brother, Jerome. Wayne attended St. Rita High School and the University of Illinois, Chicago. Wayne married Mary Brown on March 1, 1983, in Las Vegas. Wayne worked at several locations in management with Kmart and Target before settling into a career with Berlex Laboratories until his retirement in 2007.

He also enjoyed cooking and we will all miss his celebratory dinners.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; sons, James, Wayne and wife Sarisa, and new darling granddaughter, Brynn; and brother, Jerome. He will be missed by his mother-in-law, Gertrude Brown; brother-in-law, Terry Brown; sister-in-law, Jerri (Dan) LoTempio; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and special granddog, Mya.

We would like to thank our wonderful family and neighbors, our great friends who always helped to make our lives happy and full of fun, and also St. Luke's Hospice, who helped guide us through these last few days.

Wayne lived his life by these three words, “Family, Friends, Fun.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family for a college fund for his grandchildren, whose education was very important to him.

Online condolences may be left by visiting  under obituaries.

Published Dec. 2, 2011, in The Gazette