Men's Golf | June 16

DeKALB, IL – Northern Illinois University Athletics Hall of Famer Don Wegrzyn passed away on Thursday, June 11 at the age of 88.
 
Wegrzyn was a member of the NIU men's golf team from 1956-60. As a sophomore in 1958 Wegrzyn was the medalist at the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament with a 36-hole score of 140, becoming the first Huskie to win a conference title and qualify for the NCAA Championship. He was part of the Huskies' NCAA College Division Mideast Regional title team in 1959. Wegrzyn was Co-Captain of the 1960 NIU squad that won the IIAC championship.
 
He joined Old Elm Club in Highland Park, Ill. in 1952 and became the Head Golf Professional in 1971. Wegrzyn served on the Illinois PGA Board of Directors from 1972-1987, including a term as President from 1980-81. On the national level he served on the PGA National Rules Committee, participated on the PGA's Strategic Planning Committee and Audit Committee, and officiated at multiple PGA Championships and Ryder Cups. Wegrzyn was instrumental in helping bring the 1989 PGA Championship to Kemper Lakes Golf Club, the first PGA Championship in Illinois since 1961.
 
In 1994 Wegrzyn earned the designation of PGA Master Professional in Golf Operations, reflecting his commitment to education, leadership and professional excellence. He was inducted into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame in 1999 and the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2023.
 
The North Chicago, Ill. native earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from NIU and was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990.
 
He is survived by his loving wife Gail, his children, Cheryl (Jeff) Matheson, Karen Wegrzyn and Douglas Wegrzyn, his four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
 
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17 from 4-7 p.m. at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville, Ill. Visitation will continue at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 18 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Gurnee, Ill. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to "Cure Alzheimer's Fund" or "First Tee – Greater Chicago". For information, call 847-362-3009 or share a memory at burnettdane.com.
 
--NIU--