Renee F. (Refka) Lynch

Renee Lynch, 62, of Gurnee, passed away on October 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was born on May 9, 1963 in Oak Park, Illinois, to Alan and Patricia (Wood) Refka. She grew-up a tough spirit and gentle soul in Chicago’s Edison Park neighborhood, close to cousins and where she formed many life-long friendships, notably including the “Six Chicks”.

Shortly after college she accepted a position at W.W. Grainger, Inc. in Skokie, Illinois. During her 30+ year career at Grainger (with a brief gap to bear and raise her children), Renee established herself as a highly skilled, motivated, and reliable teammate, first in the Credit Department, but mostly in the IT Department. Grainger is where she met her future husband, Jim.

Renee and Jim were married in 1989 and moved a short time later, first to Round Lake Beach, and then to Gurnee. In both cases, they hit the jackpot in the neighbor lottery. The Gurnee neighborhood was more of a family to Renee than a collection of friends, and she shared a special bond with her fellow Vista Chicks.

Renee was preceded in death by her father Alan Refka, stepfather Thomas Kulasik, uncles Don Refka, Jim Wood, Marty Wood, and Ron Madziarek, aunts Mary Lewis, Chuckie Refka, and Jean Madziarek, father-in-law Jim Lynch, mother-in-law Sue Zimmerman, and Vista Chick Rita O’Connor.

She is survived by her mother, Patricia Kulasik, her husband Jim, daughters Elise Lynch and her son Sawyer Bock, and Christy (Trevor) Loew, son TJ Lynch, as well as her siblings and their families: Gary (Laura) Refka; daughter Brittany (Kevin) Refka, son Bill (Whitney) Refka and their son Rylan. Jeff (Jacquie) Refka; sons Nick (Jessica) Refka and Chris (Linsey Bailey) Refka. Diana Refka; daughter Robynn Refka and her daughter Bryanna Refka-Rivera. She is also survived by her sisters- and brother-in-law: Mary Sue (Bruce) Jensen; sons Kevin (Logan) Jensen and their sons Rhys and Graham, and Zach Jensen, and their daughter Emily (Daniel) Alberts. Elizabeth (Tom) Besch; daughter Katie (Tim) Gaddini and their children Hayden and Haylee, and son Tommy Besch. Annie Lynch and her son David Lynch. Dave (Tracy) Lynch; their son Jacob Halen Lynch and daughters Kelly Lynch and Chloe Lynch.

Renee had a passion for travel, taking her and her family to all 50 states, across Europe, and most importantly to visit her family across the country. She also loved gardening, foofy drinks, laughing, and a good pair of earmuffs on a breezy summer day. Above all, Renee loved sharing her life with her loved ones. And she lived her life selflessly, with such strength and passion that it left a lasting impact on everyone she knew. To know Renee was to be loved by Renee, and she showed that love in any way she could. From little things like remembering birthdays to planning and officiating weddings, if there was something to celebrate in a loved one’s life, Renee was right there.

Visitation and celebration of Renee’s life will be on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 4-8 p.m. at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home at 6250 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago. Funeral Thursday, starting at the funeral home with prayers at 10:45 a.m. proceeding to St. Juliana Church. Mass 11:30 a.m. Graveside interment Maryhill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in Renee’s name to The Glioblastoma Foundation, Metavivor, The IGA Nephropathy Foundation of America, or The National Tuberous Sclerosis Association. 

If you didn’t already follow along, you can read about Renee’s journey in her own words at caringbridge.org/milfs journey Information 773-774-0366 or colonialfuneral.com

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