Roy William Wasielewski, 76, of LaSalle, was born on September 19,1949 in LaSalle, IL to Victor and Mary (Piotrowski) Wasielewski. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday January 14, 2026 at Allure of Peru after a long, courageous 6-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
A funeral mass will be Wednesday January 21st at Noon at St. Patrick’s Church in LaSalle. Parochial Vicar of LaSalle Parishes, Father Small will officiate.
He will be laid to rest following the Mass at St. Hyacinth Cemetery in LaSalle.
Visitation will be in the church on Wednesday from 10:00am to Noon.
Roy married Karen Bassi at St. Roch’s church on October 29, 1971. They were married for over 54 years.
Roy worked for 36 years for the Illinois Department of Transportation. He was a bridgetender at the Shippingsport Bridge for 26 years and 10 years as a highway maintainer. He was also a painter by trade, running his own painting business for 45 years.
His favorite things to do were fishing especially at the Hennepin Canal, camping, watching and feeding the birds, landscaping, planting flowers, washing and detailing cars and hanging out with his family and friends telling fish tales, playing games and listening to music. He also took great pride in his Christmas light display, for which he won awards.
He was loved by many. His friends said he was “one of a kind.” He was known for his infectious laugh. His life motto was to have fun and find laughter in all that you do.
He is survived by his loving wife, Karen (Bassi) Wasielewski and his two daughters, Connie Wasielewski and Jennifer Wasielewski both of Naperville, IL, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great- great nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Mary (Piotrowski) Wasielewski; three brothers, Victor, Jack, and Jimmy; two sisters, Dorothy and Loretta; two nieces and two nephews.
The family would like to share our sincere appreciation with all of the CNAs and nurses at Allure of Peru for taking such good care of Roy in the little over a year he was there. To everyone who took him on those famous wheelchair rides, thank you. You were his angels—your kindness and patience brought him happiness and dignity. You turned an ordinary day into an adventure, and for that, we are forever grateful. “Let’s Go”!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for his favorite charities.
On line condolences may be expressed at www.burgessfh.com
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Roy Wasielewski, visit the Tribute Store.
