W9AA Silent Keys – Hamfesters Ham Radio Club W9AA

Robert J. Morrow, KB9YRE, Passed September 16, 2025

Ed Broniarczyk, WA9AEOL, Passed April 6, 2025

Ed was an integrial part of Hamfesters.

Ed was the club treasurer for many years.

Richard L. Reynolds, W9DOQ, November 9, 2024

Martin Linke, WD9ABG, passed September 4, 2023

Terry Mack, N9RFY, Passed June 29th, 2023

Brian Davis, W9HLQ, passed December 26, 2022

Brian was a staple of W9AA for over 40 years!

Brian helped out with many things at Hamfesters. In particular, he was the original website admin, membership coordinator, and ham radio instructor.

James G Vancura, W9MOM, passed July 9th, 2021

James was a member from 1997 to 2009.

Dave Laveck, W0COP, passed June 25, 2019

Bob Seonia, AK9Y, passed Apr 15, 2019

Bob was a long time Hamfesters club member. He was past president of Hamfesters and treasurer for years. Of late Bob was active with the 6 Meter Club and he was a very active VE and the Wednesday net control for the Grumpy net.

Bob Richter, K9RDR, passed March 3, 2019

Bob was editor for the W9AA Hamgab, ran our raffles for meetings and the Hamfest.

Kelly Harris, KB9ZRM, passed Nov 6, 2017

Kelly was the Net Control for the Monday night Nite Patrol on the W9AA Argonne repeater.

Robert V Haas, WA9BXI, Passed Sept 2, 2017

Robert was a Hamfester’s member for many years.

Pat Shalloo, KB9KRT, passed August 20, 2017

Dorothy Truhlar, N9ALC Passed April 27, 2017

Dorothy was active in publishing the Hamgab for many years.

Jimmy Liston, N9HSH Passed Dec 3, 2016

Jimmy was an active ham since 1966 and only owned ICOM radios. Jimmy was a retired Chicago Police Officer. Jimmy was also had his private pilot’s license.
You can see Jimmy’s awesome shack below on QRZ!
Link to Jimmy’s QRZ page

Bruno Marusarz, K9QKB Passed October 19, 2016

He was a past member of Hamfesters.

John Wegge “Jack” Nienhaus, W9NJB

He was a past member of Hamfesters.

Bob Maloney, W9TOE

Robert Koran, N9JYX, Passed Aug 14, 2016

Past President of Hamfester’s Radio Club.

Kerry Nelson, AA9SB, passed February 22, 2016.

Kerry held a few positions in the Hamfester’s club.
Kerry was the Hamfest coordinator from 2007 to 2014, publicity chair, and also a past president.
He won the “Hamfester of the Year” award for 2005 or 2006.

Ray Ludwig, N9FPQ, 91, passed January 2, 2015.

Ray was Hamfesters’ Secretary in 1989.

He was also a nightly check in the first slot on the nite patrol W9ANL Arrgonne repeater 2 meters, 145.1900.

Frank Gassmere, K9BWQ, 73, Passed June 16, 2014

Anthony “Bob” Truhlar Jr, W9LNQ, 93, Passed June 10, 2014

Bob had been a Hamfester for many many years. He also was excellent CW operator and an avid DXer running near the top of the DXCC list.

Mike Serapin, W9MCS, 58, Passed April 5, 2014

Mike was an Amateur Radio operator since the early 70s holding and Amateur Extra class license. He has been a member of Hamfesters Radio Club since the Marquette Park Field House days and Board member for the past 7 years. Mike also held a 1st class commercial license.

Mike worked his way through school as Captain on the Wendella Sight Seeing Boats. After graduating from Moraine Valley Community College, Mike went to work at Andrew Corp. where he became friends with Ed Andrew. Most recently Mike was assistant Lock Master at the O’Brian Lock and Damn working for the Army Corp. of Engineers.

Mike was also very active with the Masons, Past Master of his Lodge, three time Commander of a Knights Templar Commandary, Shriner, Holder of the York Rite Purple Cross, 32 degree Scottish Rite Member, Member of the Royal Order of Scotland, Eastern Star, White Shrine, Grotto and Tall Cedars.

Joseph Kratky, KA9KBU, 58, Passed 2013

Joe had been a member of Hamfesters for many years and was a great asset to us at all meetings and field day events as well as past treasurer of Hamfesters.

Roger Borowski, K9RB, 64 Passed Nov 18, 2013

As an Amateur Radio operator (K9RB) for over fifty years, Roger had contacted and made friends with hams in over 325 countries.

Edward Andrew, KB9KV, 77, Passed March 8, 2013

Former Chairman of Andrew Corporation, President and Director Emeritus of The Andrew Family Foundation, Trustee Emeritus of The College of Wooster, Director of the Dingman’s Choice & Delaware Bridge Company and former Director of the Aileen S. Andrew Foundation and TEN-TEC.