Terry Frank Patyski – Mulkeytown, IL

Terry Frank Patyski, 84, of Mulkeytown, IL, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Herrin Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Terry was born on January 4, 1942, to Zigmund and Elizabeth (Chazar) Patyski. He was a native of Valier and a 1960 graduate of Valier High School.

Terry married Marcella Ziarnek on November 24, 1966 and they shared 59 years of marriage together.

Terry honorably served his country in the United States Army from March 1964 to February 1970, where he achieved the rank of SP-4. Terry worked at Orient No. 3 Mine, in Waltonville until its closing, and then added a second career working for 24 additional years as a well-loved custodian at SIU School of Medicine, before retiring there.

Terry is survived by his wife, Marcella (Ziarnek) Patyski, of Mulkeytown; three children, Lyn T. (Terri) Patyski, of Marion, IL (longtime companion Steve Lincks, of Oakville, MO), Karen Cabaness, of Marion, IL (husband Rodney Cabaness) and Mark Patyski, of Mulkeytown, IL (wife Ginger Patyski); grandchildren Bryce Cabaness, Courtnie Patyski, Peyton Cabaness, Camree Patyski, Ty Cabaness and Drew Cabaness and one brother, Ronnie Patyski, of Valier, IL. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

Terry was an active member of the Christopher Knights of Columbus and was also a longtime member of St. Andrews Catholic Church, in Christopher, IL, before it closed. Terry was the proud owner and operator of Walnut Hill Winery, located in Mulkeytown (or “Hooterville,” which is a small suburb of Mulkeytown, as he called it) where he grew his own grapes, that he turned into his own brand of wine.
He was a lifelong animal lover and through the decades owned horses, ducks, dogs and in his later years, his “herd” of cats that he lovingly tended to daily.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, IL, with Father Mark Reyling officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, in Sesser, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Finding Forever Animal Rescue, in Marion, IL or the Christopher Knights of Columbus.
Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, is in charge of arrangements. For more information visit their website at www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.