Stickney Mayor Jeff Walik passed away May 9 surrounded by his family. He was 60.
Walik was a lifelong resident of Stickney, and served on the Stickney Police Department from 1987 to 2008.
He served as a village trustee from 2009 to 2013 before being elected mayor in 2017.
He lived a life of service, dedication, and hard work for the people around him.
Walik made a larger than life presence wherever he was.
He cared deeply for his family, friends, and community.
Known for fist-bumping any greeting every attendee at village meetings and events, he went above and beyond for seniors, veterans, residents and students, making every person he came in contact with feel cared for.
In 2023, the village board proclaimed September 19 Mayor Jeff Walik Day in the Village of Stickney.
Trustee Lea Torres read in a proclamation:
“We thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for the Village of Stickney, its residents, employees, friends and family. You go above and beyond to help our seniors with all the senior programs; that you offer. You are devoted to the families of this town, the schools and school children, churches, and other organizations. We honor and very much appreciate you and all that you have done. You represent this village with integrity and honor and promote our town as a great place to live and work. You are a true leader.”
After Walik’s passing, Torres spoke of him again.
“Mayor Walik was my best friend,” Torres told the Desplaines Valley News.
“He could fill a room with laughter every time he entered and he cared deeply about others. I would be in his office and someone would come in and want to give him something, and he would say nothing for me, but if you want to give something, give it to my seniors. He was always thinking of others. After some medical issues I went through over the past year, he would always kiss the top of my head and ask how I was doing. He was so compassionate for others. He loved his family so deeply. Debra was always by his side. His deep love always showed through. One of my fondest memories of him was at a Music in the Park event we held. There was a woman in a wheelchair with little body movement. He saw her struggle and spoon fed her. He was always doing kind things for everyone. I will miss my friend,” Torres said.
Attorney Michael DelGaldo, whose Berwyn law firm represents the Village of Stickney praised Walik for the man he was.
“Jeff Walik dedicated his life to public service, both as a police officer and a Mayor of Stickney. Whenever you saw Jeff, you couldn’t help but smile. His warmth, energy, and infectious personality touched everyone around him. He had a genuine love for people and for life itself. His family, friends, and the residents of Stickney were truly fortunate to have him in our lives, because he made all of us better simply by knowing him,” DelGaldo said.
Walik is survived by his fiancee Debra; his children Samantha (Hawkins), Ashlee, Robert, Nicole, and Sarni; his beloved grandchildren Owen, Livy, and Mallory; his sister Lisa; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and countless community members whose lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Patricia Walik.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12, from 3-8 p.m. at Hursen Funeral Home & Crematory, the southwest corner of Roosevelt and Mannheim roads in Hillside. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery in Stickney.
In lieu of flowers, the family will be accepting donations to various animal shelters and veterans organizations, causes that were close to his heart.
In honor of his wishes, guests are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue.