Stickney officials, employees, family, and friends of late Mayor Jeff Walik gathered Friday to dedicate a street in his honor, naming the 4500 block of Wenonah Avenue as Jeff Walik Parkway.
Walik, a lifelong resident, died May 9. He served on the police department for 21 years before joining the Village Board as a trustee in 2009. He remained a trustee until he was elected mayor in 2017 and held the office until his death.
Public Works Director Sam Alonzo unveiled the sign, calling Walik “much more than our mayor.”
“He was a trusted friend, a caring neighbor, a mentor,” Alonzo said. “He loved this village with everything he had.”
Alonzo described Walik’s legacy as measured not by projects completed or decisions made, but by “the lives he touched, the friendships he built, and the countless acts of kindness that made this village a better place.”
“Jeff often gave more than what was asked of him,” Alonzo added. “He gave his time, his heart, his friendships, and love for this village. Today we give something back, a permanent reminder that his life mattered.”
The location was chosen because it is the block where Walik grew up.
Current Mayor Mitch Milenkovic, who succeeded Walik, called the tribute fitting. He credited Trustee Brian Klouda with proposing the idea and designing the sign, which reads: “In Honor Of — Jeff Walik Pkwy — Beloved Mayor, Former Police Officer. A Leader. A Protector. A Public Servant.”
