Alex Makarow, age 68, beloved husband of 34 years of Laurie Makarow, nee Warndorf; loving uncle of Robert Warndorf and Jacquelyn (Matt) Frutiger; dear great uncle of Peyton, Madison, and Emily Frutiger; cherished cousin of Victor (Karen) Vuckovic.

Alex was a man of many languages, interests, hobbies, friends and lover of animals-- rescuing them from shelters.  He was also an artist like his grandmother before him.  He attended the Art Institute School of Art.  He was a graduate of Schurz High School, attended Lane High School, and St. Sylvester's Grade School.  His family was very active in the Russian Orthodox community and he attended the Russian summer camps during his youth.

He spoke 6+ languages and had a vast collection and library of Art, Cars, Horror, Sci-Fi, Music, Tai-Chi, Martial Arts, Colognes and hand painted imported Dragons.

Alex was a collector of many genres. Of late he was accumulating Dragons. Early on he had gathered a large comic book collection. His books about martial arts is extensive. His Lovecraftian fiction ensemble is truly terrifying to contemplate. But his horror fiction is a refreshing relief after Lovecraft. Yes, Alex loved the macabre. As a martial artist he collected weaponry, especially knives and firearms. He was a connoisseur of fine scents. His collected notes on the Art of Chi Tao Gung-Fu are unequaled in the annals of the Green Dragon Society.

Alex was a renowned martial artist, absorbed in fistic arts for over 50 years. A pugilist of great wisdom, he recently attained an ascended rank few men ever achieve. No ordinary practitioner, Alex studied an elite system, the Northern Chinese fighting Art called Wu Chi Tao Ch'uan Gung-Fu. He is honored by the Green Dragon Society as a 'Son of Heaven'.

Alex was a Master, Ancient Free & Accepted Mason for over 20 years.

He worked as an IT specialist at Rand McNally, CCH, and Walgreens. Alex was a member of the Walgreens Service Desk Family for over 16 years.  Each day he worked with the store Pharmacy personnel to help them resolve issues with their hardware & software issues.  He used his positive outlook and natural friendly demeanor to talk them through the troubleshooting steps, making it a positive experience for his customers. Despite his easy-going nature, he was "all business" when it came to taking care of his stores & helping his work buddies. Alex served as a coach and mentor to several peers, many of which fondly referred to him as "Big Mak".  Alex was always the first to check in on his friends; he loved participating in the Employee Engagement activities ranging from pushing a pizza cart around the department to playing Virtual Hangman.  I will miss my pal tremendously. I'll think of him every time I see a cool vintage car or a cute puppy!

There will be a memorial visitation for Alex on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at the Skaja Terrace Funeral Home 7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue Niles from 11:30 AM until the time of his service at 12:30 PM.