Ernest J. Pietrowiak

Ernest J. Pietrowiak, 84, a resident of Round Lake, IL, passed away peacefully with his wife and children beside him at home on April 14, 2026. He was born on July 22, 1941, in Chicago, IL, to Ignatius and Stasia, nee Niedziela, Pietrowiak.

Ernest dedicated part of his life to public service, retiring from the Glenview Police Department. During his time there, he created and became known as “Officer Friendly,” and developed the department’s “Stranger Danger” program—work that reflected his desire to connect with and protect the community, especially children.

He was also actively involved in his local community, volunteering with the Fourth of July committee in Vernon Hills. As a soccer coach with the Libertyville Soccer Organization, he helped open doors for others by starting a program that brought in the organization’s first female referees.

Outside of his work and service, Ernest found joy in simple, meaningful things. He loved gardening, music, dancing, and his beloved pets.

Ernest is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley, nee Pranaitis; his children, Russell (Christine) Pietrowiak, Craig Pietrowiak, Neal (Laura) Pietrowiak, and Missy (Brian Schaefer) Pietrowiak; his grandchildren, Bryce Anne (Alex) Schwickrath, Zachary Pietrowiak, Zoe Pietrowiak, Jennell (Travis) Anderson, John DeNapoli, Kyle Schaefer, and Caden Schaefer; his great-grandchildren, Remy Anderson, Nora Anderson, and Weston Anderson; his brother-in-law, Frank Childers; his nephews and nieces, Mark (the late Linda) Childers, Kim (John) Bokowski, Steve Childers and Chris (Eileen) Childers, Sharon (Tom) Williams, Lisa (Matt) Egan and Michelle, nee Garuckas, Biniak.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his devoted sister, Renette Childers.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 10:00am at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL. Interment will be private at Ascension Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847) 223-8122.