Paul Waytenick, 77, passed away on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at home in Rock Island, so very loved by family and friends, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 29 from 4-6 p.m. at Wheelan-Pressly in Rock Island, and the funeral service will be on Friday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Peace in Rock Island. Burial at the Reynolds Cemetery.

Paul was born on Mar. 10, 1948, in Dixon, Ill., to Ruth (Meppen) and Francis Waytenick. He married Mary Kae Sederquist on Oct. 12, 1974, at the Church of Peace.

He graduated from Bradley University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and Master's degree in Engineering from University of Iowa. Paul was a long-time employee of almost 40 years at MidAmerican Energy and counted many of those he worked with as friends.

Paul was a big supporter of any activity his wife, kids, and grandkids were doing. He happily attended many music performances and started playing his saxophone again for church at his wife's urging. He coached their youth sports teams, helped with 4-H projects and animals, and volunteered alongside his wife. Paul and Mary Kae enjoyed great family vacations, family dinners, and hosted many memorable parties for friends at their home. He was a sports fan and enjoyed golfing, bowling league, and attended the Indy 500 over 45 years since college.

The family thanks the people who cared for him during his illness. Memorials may be made to the family or Church of Peace.

Survivors include children, Jessica Waytenick and Aaron (Tracy) Waytenick, Milan; grandchildren, Mariella, Olivia, and Adeline; sisters, Lisa Moore, Centralia; and Abby (Ken) Zenaida, Dixon; nephews, Jim (Katie Casey) Sederquist, David (Callie) Sederquist, Andrew (Callen) Sederquist, Michael (Benjamin) Sederquist, Almond (Danielle) Zenaida, Ainon Zenaida; and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.wheelanpressly.com.