Wayne T. Ratay

Wayne Thomas Ratay, 82-years-young, of Lemont, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 7, 2025. Born on December 16, 1942 in Chicago, Wayne was the beloved son of Thomas P. Ratay, Jr. and Bernice (Pason) Ratay, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in a close-knit Polish-American family, spending his childhood in Berwyn and summers at Twin Lakes, Wisconsin—the latter a place that remained dear to him throughout his life.

Wayne’s strong work ethic was evident from a young age. As a kid, he held his first job pulling weeds for 60 cents an hour and in his teenage years worked several jobs to earn money. A graduate of University of Illinois in 1964, he then earned an MBA from Marquette University in 1967. Concurrently while in grad school, Wayne also proudly served his country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves during the Vietnam war.

In 1967, Wayne began his career with IBM, launching a lifelong path in the computer and technology industry. He was an entrepreneur and visionary who, in 1990, founded American Capital Financial Services, Inc., where his integrity and dedication built a successful business that continues today.

In 1982, Wayne married the love of his life, Cathi. Together they built a beautiful life filled with devotion, laughter, and shared adventures around the world. Wayne was the proud father of four sons and two doting daughters-in-law: Todd, Kevin, Christopher (Kayanne), and Bryan (Melanie). He was the cherished “Poppa” to Sophia and Jonah, who brought him immense joy and fulfillment in his later years. He also dearly loved and shared many wonderful memories, travels, and laughs with his only sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Dick Smith.

Wayne’s life was marked by adventure and joy, or what he referred to as “Good Times!” In his youth, he joined a rock ’n’ roll band called The Kombo Kings, helped build a floating “Monte Carlo” houseboat on Twin Lakes, and even starred as “Jack” in the cult classic film The Wizard of Gore. Wayne's passions were many - business and sales, snowmobiling, snow skiing, golfing, and lake life -most of all doing any of the above with friends and family. He loved people and could talk to anybody about anything.

A lifelong boater and water-skier, Wayne created a haven for his children and grandchildren at Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, a place he lovingly made into a family “wonderland.” So much so that his youngest son, Bryan, chose it as the perfect location to marry his bride, Melanie, on August 16, 2025. Wayne never looked more dapper in his tuxedo and was so full of life as he gave the most touching and hilarious toast.

Wayne will be remembered for many things, but above all his larger-than-life personality, sense of humor, compassionate heart, and deep devotion to those he loved. His legacy lives on in his family and in the countless lives he touched along the way.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 12219 South 86th Avenue, Palos Park. Interment to follow immediately.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html or his church of 43 years, Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration: https://transfigpalos.org/give.