Walter Lee Kazich

Walter (Wally) Lee Kazich, 85, of North Ft Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026. Born in Lemont, Illinois, Walter grew up with four siblings, ensuring there was never a dull moment. He met Jeanette Kazich (Klein) at Lemont High School and together they enjoyed 56 years of laughter, love, and adventure—he always said she was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Wally worked as a maintenance mechanic at Argo Corn Products and Argonne National Lab, but his weekends were reserved for fun as the beloved bartender at Nick's Tavern. What started as a favor for friends turned into a 25-year gig filled with jokes, tall tales, and countless new friends. He was the go-to guy for fixing just about anything—if it was broken, Wally would find a way (usually involving a clever trick and a smile). Always up for something exciting, he spent his days fishing, riding motorcycles, playing cards, winning at bingo, mastering jigsaw puzzles, collecting quirky treasures, and jetting off to Jamaica or anywhere with a beach and sunshine. Walter was the heartbeat of every gathering—no one could out-party him! After retiring, he enjoyed Florida’s sunny days, savoring beach walks and legendary Christmas gatherings in July that brought the whole family together for food, fun, and laughter.

He is survived by his sister, Cathy Frelichowski, and his sister-in-law, Lois Kazich. Wally leaves behind three beloved daughters: Cynthia Malak (Tim), Kimberly Rachan (Bill), and Heather Pizzoferrato (Aldo), plus five wonderful grandchildren—Brittany (Joe), Jennifer (Michael), Rebecca (Matthew), Alaina, and Aldo Jr.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Walter was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jeanette, parents Alexander and Josephine Kazich, in-laws Clement and Virginia Klein, sister Joan Pytlewski, and brothers Jerome and Bernard Kazich.

Wally’s life was a never-ending celebration, and his spirit of fun lives on in everyone who knew him.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday June 12 at 10:00am at St Alphonsus Church in Lemont.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org