WAYNE A. SLABON

Wayne Alan Slabon, 57, of DeKalb, IL, died Monday, June 27, 2016 at Journey Care Hospice in Rush Hospital, Chicago, IL.

Born June 2, 1959, in Chicago he was the son of Elmer John and Mildred Ann (Obeda) Slabon, both deceased. He is preceded in death by uncle, Joseph Ruda, his cousin, Sandra (Ruda) Slusarz. He is survived by his aunt, Ruth Ruda of Lisle, IL; two sisters: Rev. Linda S. Slabon (Toni Tollerud), minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb and Lisa K. (Slabon) Miller (Bret Miller), an educator at Ashford University; Lisa's children: nephew Aaron R. Betczynski of Tempe, AZ and niece Ami R. Betczynski of Springfield, IL; and his cousin, Michael J. (Linda) Ruda, Aurora, IL.
Wayne graduated from Luther South High School in Chicago, received his Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL in 1977, and his Master of Science in Instructional Technology & Telecommunications in 2003 from Western Illinois University. His doctorate in Instructional Systems (IS) was conferred at Florida State University in 2009. He was nominated for and received numerous awards for Excellent Performance in the IS Doctoral Program.
During his prestigious academic career, Dr. Wayne Slabon presented at numerous conferences, and published articles and chapters of texts independently as well as with treasured colleagues, his most recent being "Learning by Restorying" in the journal Instructional Science, published in 2014; in addition to teaching educational technology courses, he held two Directorships—one as the Director of Web-based Instruction at St. Ambrose University from 2000-2004 in the College for Professional Studies and as Director & Distance Learning Technologist at Columbus State University from 2010 to 2013. Most recently, Wayne was self-employed as an Associate Professor and Instructional Design Consultant, teaching graduate level courses and providing consultation services to the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, the University of Maryland, and Florida State University.

In his youth, Wayne and his guitar were inseparable. He won Battle of the Bands at Luther South High School. He was lead guitarist of his rock band Arsenic. He enjoyed biking and cross country skiing, many genres of live and recorded music, and attending live theater. As a child of Chicago's South side, his love for Chi-town pizza and baseball never waned. Like his father, Wayne's wicked wit contributed to the gag gifts and song parodies that family and friends knew all too well. An animal lover, Wayne adored the many pets he owned through the years, and he could be found in his favorite chair in front of the TV cuddling with his two sister cats Carrie and Max(ine). Wayne had a sharp mind, a soft heart, and the soul of a musician.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 17 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, 158 North 4th St., DeKalb, IL with the Rev. Linda Slabon and Intern Allen Harden conducting the service. Refreshments by Sunn Flower Gourmet will be served following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Augustana College, 639 38th St., Rock Island, IL 61201; The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb (UUFD – "Slabon memorial" on memo line), 158 North 4th Street, DeKalb, IL 60115; or Tails Humane Society, 2250 Barber Greene Rd., DeKalb, IL 60115. For information call 815-501-4788. Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.