Funeral Details

Raymond J. Wachala, age 84.

Preceded in death by his wife Mary Ruth Wachala and his parents John and Adeline Wachala. Loving father of Beth (John) Caughlin, Jenn (Ed) Price, and Kathy Wachala. Cherished grandfather of Daniel, Natalie, and Maddy.

Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Ray showed his adventurous streak early—most memorably at age 11, when he decided to take his dad’s car for a spin and promptly introduced it to a nearby fence. Fortunately, that same spirit of curiosity and boldness carried him through a life full of learning, laughter, and new directions. His sense of adventure even turned him into a North Sider when he headed to DePaul University, where he earned a master’s degree in Chemistry. Along the way he met Mary Ruth, the love of his life for more than 40 years, and together they chose to plant their roots in Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood, a home base that remains in the family. Ray spent his professional career with Nalco Chemical Company, including a four-year assignment in Pittsburgh with Alcoa. While there, he discovered a love of running and happily took on Pittsburgh’s famously hilly 5K races—proving that Ray never shied away from an uphill challenge. Eventually he returned to their beloved Chicago home, where he celebrated the marriages of his daughters, Beth and Jenn, and the arrival of his beloved grandchildren, Daniel, Natalie, and Maddy. Ray endured deep loss when Mary Ruth passed away after a battle with cancer. In time, however, love found its way back into his life. He reconnected with Maggie, who became his loving partner and welcomed him warmly into her family. Maggie remained by his side for the rest of his days. Even retirement couldn’t quite keep Ray away from numbers. With a lifelong fondness for them, he began preparing taxes after leaving Nalco—work he continued with pride and good humor until the impressive age of 83. Ray lived with curiosity, resilience, and joy that carried him from the South Side to the North Side, over Pittsburgh hills, and through a life rich with family, love, and stories worth telling.

Ray was incredibly smart, handsome, generous, and funny. His daughters describe him as accepting, amusing, and above all FUN. He was a patient teacher, a man of deep integrity and strong moral character, but he carried just enough spice for life to bend the rules now and then. His sense of humor was legendary at home: tickle wars—even in church—and his classic line, “I’m just resting my eyes,” became part of family lore. Ray was a man of few words, but the words he chose were thoughtful, well-timed, and often golden. Ray and Mary Ruth also shared a love of giving back. To spend more time together they began volunteering at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden, where Ray delighted in the fact that they had model trains, a passion of his from childhood (because honestly, he was not the gardener in the family). Ray passed his love for-and his own inventory of – model trains onto the next generation of both his grandchildren and Maggie’s. Ray embraced his hobbies with enthusiasm and curiosity. He loved playing and watching golf—something his daughters never quite understood but happily accepted as part of who he was. He also enjoyed playing the horses, whether close to home at Arlington International Racecourse, at local off-track betting spots, or traveling the country with friends he met through horse-racing handicapping competitions. A trip to Las Vegas with Ray was always memorable, as he delighted in sharing his love of cards and the thrill of the game. Between work and personal travel, Ray hit a milestone of visiting all 50 states, and he didn’t stop there; he later traveled to European cities, and across parts of Africa. Closer to home, he especially cherished family vacations to Walt Disney World and several cruises along the way. His daughters will always remember his sharp sense of humor, his patient way of teaching, his generous heart, and his adventurous spirit. Ray’s love for life passed on to his daughters, and he is deeply loved and greatly missed.

A visitation will take place on Saturday March 14, 2026 from 2PM until 6PM, with a service at 5PM at Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options, 3918 West Irving Park Road, Chicago. Interment private. Arrangements by Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options, 773.354.3744, www.midtownfunerals.com