Adam Szymel, age 95, of Western Springs; born in Berezowiec, Poland on January 21, 1928, passed away on January 9, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Wanda; loving father of Christine (Douglas) Dudzik and the late Stephan Szymel; proud grandfather of Gregory & Alex Dudzik & Alysha (Jason) Koller and four great-grandchildren; fond brother of the late Zofia (the late Stanislaw) Kuntaras, the late Boguslawa (the late Edward) Russ, & the late Zbygniew (Jozefa) Szymel; dear brother-in-law, uncle, & cherished friend to many.

Adam’s family was deported to a Siberian gulag camp in Russia during WWII. Later, he joined the Polish Merchant Marines and made his way through many countries. He arrived in the United States in 1954, and met his beloved wife Wanda; they married in 1958. Adam enjoyed playing and watching soccer, loved nature, and sharing his life story. Many fond memories were enjoyed during the summers at “The Farm” in Wisconsin by family and friends. Adam loved life, his faith, and family & friends.

Funeral Mass 11am on Saturday, January 20 at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Adam’s name to the Polish Scouting Organization of Illinois, 6434 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60634 (zhpchicago.com) or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org/) are appreciated.

Funeral information: (708) 352-6500