Mike Wollner, 80, a World War II veteran who generously volunteered for more than 40 years in his Chicago Ridge community, died of cancer Sunday, Feb. 10, in his home. Mr. Wollner’s first experience with volunteering came after the attack on Pearl Harbor, when he immediately signed on with the Navy. He spent four years in the service, helping protect merchant ships from attack. After the war, he studied at the Radio Institute of Chicago. Though he didn’t become a broadcaster, the school changed his life by introducing him to Julia Jean Jones, who became his wife of more than 52 years. Mr. Wollner settled with his growing family in Chicago Ridge, working first in life insurance and later in warehousing. He became a well known community volunteer. He helped found the Fathers Club at Our Lady of the Ridge Catholic Church in Chicago Ridge, where he was an usher for 40 years. He set up a youth baseball league and was a longtime member of the Chicago Ridge Park Board, where he initiated a plan to build a youth center. In 2000, he was named the village’s Volunteer of the Year and in 2001 was named Senior of the Year. Mr. Wollner is survived by his wife; three sons, Michael, John and Tim; four daughters, Linda Kronenberger, Patricia Sprinkle, Mary and Christine; and 15 grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Schmaedeke Funeral Home, 10701 S. Harlem Ave., Worth. Mass will be said at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of the Ridge Church, 10838 S. Oxford Ave., Chicago Ridge.
