Nick Dziuban Death, Obituary: Wilmington Mourns a Beloved Coach and Mentor Nick Dziuban

The Wilmington, Illinois community is grieving the loss of Nick Dziuban, a devoted wrestling coach, mentor, and fighter, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Diagnosed in January 2020, Nick faced his illness with unwavering determination, undergoing multiple surgeries, rounds of radiation, and chemotherapy treatments. He and his family made frequent trips to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for care, a testament to the resilience and strength he carried through every challenge.

Nick’s life was defined not only by his personal courage but by the countless lives he touched as a coach. A former Coaler Wrestling Coach and later the head coach at Wilmington High School, Nick was deeply committed to his athletes’ growth, both on and off the mat. His leadership, mentorship, and insistence on discipline, integrity, and perseverance left a lasting impression on generations of wrestlers. Many recall him not only for his technical knowledge of the sport but for the life lessons he instilled—lessons about resilience, dedication, and character that extended far beyond the gymnasium.

Outside of wrestling, Nick was a devoted family man whose love for his wife and children never wavered, even as he battled his illness. His courage in the face of adversity inspired his family, teammates, and the broader Wilmington community. He demonstrated what it truly means to fight with heart, showing strength in both victories and struggles.

The passing of Nick Dziuban leaves a profound void in Wilmington. His legacy endures in the athletes he coached, the families he touched, and the countless friends who admired his unwavering spirit. While his physical presence may be gone, the lessons he taught, the lives he shaped, and the courage he embodied will live on.

Nick Dziuban will be remembered not just as a coach, but as a mentor, a fighter, and a guiding light to all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, and may his family and community find comfort in his enduring legacy.