Christopher Padalik

Christopher Miles Padalik, of DeKalb, Illinois, formerly of Lisle, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, surrounded by family. Christopher was born on August 19, 1956, in Berwyn, Illinois, to Thelma and George Padalik.

Chris grew up in Lemont, Aurora, and Lisle, Illinois. Along the way, he gained more siblings and cousins who created lifelong bonds with. In his younger years, he worked at Circle W and Childwood horse stables. He later went on to work for the Village of Downers Grove and Benet Academy, where he retired after 24 years. Benet Academy became a second home to Christopher, and his time there was a meaningful part of his life.

Chris was quite the jokester. He loved to argue simply for the sake of arguing, but he always kept it entertaining. He was always willing to lend a helping hand—unless, of course, you happened to be on his list! He was well known for his classic “How aren’t cha?” introduction and his famous Irish goodbyes.

Chris loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting. He loved going “down south” to the farm, where he proudly got a record turkey, AKA “Tom the Turkey.” He was an avid deer hunter and always looked forward to heading down to spend time with his hunting family. The hunting trips, friendships, stories, and laughter that came along with them were legendary. 

Chris loved The Three Stooges, westerns, Patsy Kline and Svengoolie, and he was a huge Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was also an amazing carpenter and loved using his talents to make plaques and other pieces for the hunting cabin. His craftsmanship was just another way he left his mark on the people and places he loved.

Christopher, affectionately known as Uncle Chris, loved all the kiddos as if they were his own. He made time to attend many of their sporting events and was one of their biggest cheerleaders. He took great pride in watching them grow and always found a way to support them. 

Chris had a personality all his own and a way of making sure you knew when he had arrived—but he also knew exactly when it was time for him to leave. His presence, stories, laughter, and unforgettable sense of humor will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Christopher was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Padalik (Sumpter); his father, George Padalik; his stepfather, Paul Wachowski Sr.; his cousin, Charles Wachowski Sr., who helped raise him; his brother, Ricky Padalik; his sister and brother-in-law, Ellyn Ray and Whitey Hunterkoch; his brother, Paul Wachowski Jr.; and his brother, Scotty Wachowski.

He leaves behind his brother, Ronny Lee Padalik (Amira); sister, Georgine (Nick) Klimenko; sister, Priscilla (Jim) Waugh; brother, Jeff (Marcia) Wachowski; sister, Babs (John) Austin; sister, Dawn (Jeff) Malnar; sister, Debra (Gary) Wissen; sister-in-law, Jan Wachowski; cousin Charlie (Dina) Wachowski; cousin Beth (Steve) Turner; cousin Jill (Joe) Arellano; cousin, Laura (Rick) Rodgers; cousin, Bruce Wachowski (Irene); aunt, Patricia Wachowski; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his large and beloved hunting family.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 12, 2026, from 2:00–6:00 p.m.

Elks Lodge
209 Annie Glidden Road
DeKalb, IL 60115

Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, tell stories, and celebrate the life of Chris.

His memory will live on in the stories we tell, the laughter he left behind, and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed, but surly never forgotten.