OBITUARY FROM REES FUNERAL HOME WEBSITE:
Monica Wiley, age 90, a lifelong resident of Hobart, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 21, 1935, in Hobart to Joseph and Helen (née Budzielek) Ksenak.
Monica began working at a young age at her father’s grocery store on Wisconsin Street. Over the years, she held many roles, including substitute teacher at St. Bridget Catholic School, beautician, cashier at SaveMore, clerk at the Lake County Assessor’s Office, and ultimately co-owner of Foremost alongside her husband, Will and son, Phil. She also devoted herself to public service, serving as a Hobart Councilwoman and as a Hobart Precinct Committeewoman, remaining deeply engaged in local politics throughout her life.
Monica had a strong mind and a generous spirit, known for her many acts of kindness that will live on as her enduring legacy. She was instrumental in securing the Safe Haven baby box at the Hobart Fire station on Old Ridge. She will be remembered for her larger-than-life personality, her compassion for others, and the countless ways she touched the lives of those around her.
Monica is survived by her daughter, Connie (Steve) Vincent of Anna, IL; grandchildren, Jason (Laurel) Vincent, Jeff Vincent, and Jenny (Alex Wolens) Vincent; great grandchildren whom she adored, Dylan and Joshua Vincent, Bryce Vincent; brother, Frank (the late Janice) Ksenak; numerous nieces, two of which were like daughters, Michele McLennan and Diane Rickert, nephews, friends, and neighbors. She was known as “mom” to many.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Will; son, Phillip Wiley; sister, Irene (Frank) Mockaitis; brothers, Michael Ksenak, Joseph (Agnes) Ksenak, Jr., John (Vivian) Ksenak.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Monica’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, New Ways Ministry or Assumption BVM Catholic Church.
Funeral services for Monica will be Thursday, January 29, 2026, beginning with Prayers at 9:30 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart then processing to Assumption BVM Catholic Church, 3530 Illinois St., Hobart, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Jeffrey Burton presiding. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 2-6 p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. Rosary Service at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel. Please call (219) 942-2109 or visit www.reesfuneralhomes.com to share condolences.
This information was obtained from: https://www.reesfuneralhomes.com/obituary/monica-wiley. The picture above was obtained from the 1953 HHS Memories yearbook, made available by the Lake County Public Library, at: https://archive.org/details/HOHS1953Images/.
