Paul Wisovaty

Paul William Wisovaty, beloved husband, father, grandfather, cousin, and loyal friend passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Chillicothe, Illinois. He was born to Margaret Eno Wisovaty and Joseph Wisovaty on September 7, 1946 in Taylorville, Illinois. He lived a life of faith, compassion, conviction, and friendship. 

Paul graduated from Taylorville High School in 1964, and was drafted into the U.S. Army two years later. He served in Vietnam as a Radio Telephone Operator with the 3rd Squadron, 5th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. When he returned from the war, Paul used the GI Bill to attend the University of Illinois. During that time, he participated in anti-war protests before graduating with a degree in history and political science in 1973. 

Paul married the love of his life, Susan Dyer, on July 25, 1979, beginning a 47-year marriage. That year, he began his career in Champaign County probation before moving to Tuscola in 1986, where Paul became Douglas County’s Chief Probation Officer. He distinguished himself throughout his career, helping countless people rebuild their lives and find a path forward. In 2010, he received the Gene Hughes Award for the highest standards of the profession before retiring in 2012. 

Paul’s dedication to others extended into the community. He was a man of faith, an active member of the United Methodist Church. He was a leader in the Salvation Army, was active in Kiwanis, Lion’s Club, Tuscola Moose Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW), and the Polish Legion of American Veterans. With a remarkable gift for words, Paul was often asked to write and speak. He wrote the VVAW column Notes From the Boonies and spoke at Veterans Day celebrations and local schools. His story is also preserved in an oral history interview at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. 

Paul was compassionate and kind. He never met a stranger. Although he loved a quiet place to puff his pipe and read a history book, he welcomed interruptions because every person was his friend. He stood for what was right, put his love into action, and lived his faith with conviction and compassion. A lifelong Democrat and advocate for veterans, he cared about the causes he believed in. Yet he found joy in simple things: ice cream, Gilligan’s Island, the underdog, and quiet morning prayer.

 Paul Wisovaty was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Eno Wisovaty and Joseph Wisovaty. He is survived by his wife, Susan (Dyer) Wisovaty, his daughter, Brittany (Brian) Du Pont, and two grandsons, Lucas and Adam Du Pont.

Services celebrating Paul's life will be held at 10:30 a.m, Friday, October 16, 2026 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL. Burial with military graveside rites will be held at the Tuscola Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, October 15, 2026 at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army.

Online condolences may be shared at www.hilligossshraderfh.com