SR0801 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0801 LRB104 21895 ECR 37778 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Mayor Jeffrey Joseph "Jeff" Walik of the Village of Stickney, who passed away on May 9, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Walik was born to Joseph and Patricia Walik on February 24, 1966; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Walik held a number of roles over the course of his life, working as a newspaper boy, a grocer, a delivery driver, a landscaper, a snow plower, a laundromat owner, a police officer, a village trustee, and a village mayor; no matter the title, he brought the same dedication, grit, and personality into every position he undertook; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Walik served as Mayor of the Village of Stickney since 2017, dedicating himself to caring for the community, especially seniors, veterans, residents, and students, while always striving to make others feel welcomed, valued, and supported; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Walik lived a life marked by service, humor, hard work, and a deep love for the people around him; he will be remembered for his contagious smile, his larger-than-life personality, and his sense of humor that could make anyone laugh; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Walik was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Walik is survived by his fiancee, Debra; his children, Samantha (Alistair), Ashlee, Robert, Nicole, and Sami; three grandchildren; his sister, Lisa; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members; his friends; and countless community members; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Mayor Jeffrey Joseph "Jeff" Walik of the Village of Stickney and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mayor Walik as an expression of our deepest sympathy.