369) Wayne Stayskal…

Original Art by Wayne Stayskal January 2003

Wayne Stayskal was a renowned American political cartoonist, known for his work with the Chicago Tribune and the Tampa Tribune. He was born on December 11, 1931, in Oak Park, Illinois, and graduated from Chicago’s Steinmetz High School in 1950. His career was significantly influenced by his service in the U.S. Air Force, where he spent time stationed in Paris, France.

After his military service, Stayskal, encouraged by his wife Helen, pursued an education at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, graduating in 1956. His career in editorial cartooning began in earnest after his mentor, Vaughn Shoemaker, retired. Stayskal then became the Chief Cartoonist for Chicago’s American, which later became Chicago Today. In 1973, he shifted to the Chicago Tribune, continuing his career there.

Stayskal spent 27 years as an editorial cartoonist for Chicago newspapers, including the Tribune, before joining the Tampa Tribune as its editorial cartoonist in 1984. He worked there until his retirement in 2004, although his cartoons continued to be syndicated worldwide until 2010. Beyond his newspaper work, Stayskal coauthored several books with columnist Cal Thomas, including “Liberals for Lunch” in 1985.

After retiring, he continued to draw syndicated cartoons until 2010. Stayskal and his wife later returned to the Chicago area, residing first in St. Charles and then in a retirement community in Carol Stream, Illinois. Wayne Stayskal passed away on November 20, 2018, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease

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