Eugene Paul Bylina

Gene Bylina passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of Sunday, October 19th, at the age of 92.

Funeral service with military honors will be held
November 14, 2025 at 1:30pm (arrive by 1pm)
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
20953 W Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421

Celebration of Life Nov 14th 6-9pm
Durbins of Midlothian
14753 S Cicero Avenue,
Midlothian, IL 60445
We will serve pizza and drinks and may even have some dance tunes playing.
All who knew Gene are welcome. Feel free to bring pictures or stories to share.

Gene lived a full and remarkable life. He was always up for anything, whether it was traveling the world, taking a turn in the dunk tank at UAL picnics, doing backflips in the yard, ski trips, fishing tournaments, boating, dancing, indoor skydiving or tubing at water parks well into his 80s. His calm demeanor and ability to let things roll off his back made him a steady presence for those around him.
Born and raised in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, Gene attended Sacred Heart School and then Tilden High School, where he was a standout athlete, earning letters in football, wrestling, and swimming (diving). He continued his athletic career playing football at Wilson Junior College.
Gene served honorably in the U.S. Army, stationed in Korea from 1954 to 1955. After returning home, he began a nearly 38-year career at United Airlines, working in various roles. It was there, carpooling to work, that he met, Sherrill. They married in 1965 and shared 22 years together.
A lifelong Chicago sports fan—especially of the White Sox—Gene and his friend Gordy held a 20-pack of tickets for many years, including the unforgettable 2005 World Series Championship season. Gene served as the President of The Windy City South Side Jitterbug Club for over a decade.
To friends, he was Gene, Gene the Dancing Machine, or Geno (Beno). To neighborhood kids, he was Coach or Mr. Bylina. To Cindy Bylina Swistek and Jeff Bylina, he was Dad, and to Savannah Swistek, Evan Bylina, Trevor Bylina, and Michael Wollenberg, he was Poppy or Papa.
Over the past few years, Gene slowed down, especially after losing his driver’s license just before his 89th birthday. He came to live with his daughter Cindy in Lockport for a couple of years before moving to Brookdale Assisted Living (memory care) in Orland Park. Despite these changes, he continued to embrace life with his trademark spirit.
Jesus has welcomed him with open arms. I imagine Dad in his prime, entering a grand ballroom—like the end of the series “1923”—and being greeted by all the family and friends who have gone before him: including his mom Tressie (Jerkewitz) Bylina, dad Paul Bylina, brother Phil Bylina, and even his older brother who died at birth.
He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Forever in our hearts. Until we meet again.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Eugene Paul Bylina, please visit our flower store.