The Honorable Jeffrey Joseph Walik, Mayor of Stickney, Illinois since 2017, passed away on May 9th, at the age of 60, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on February 24, 1966, to Joseph and Patricia Walik, Jeff lived a life marked by service, humor, hard work, and deep love for the people around him.

Jeff proudly served as Mayor of the Village of Stickney, a role that brought him tremendous pride and purpose. He dedicated himself to caring for the community, especially seniors, veterans, residents, and students, always striving to make others feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.

Over the years, Jeff wore many hats. He worked as a newspaper boy, grocer, delivery driver, landscaper and snow plower, laundromat owner, police officer, Trustee and Mayor of Stickney. No matter the title, Jeff brought the same dedication, grit, and personality into every role he held.

But to those who loved him most, Jeff was so much more than his work or title. He was the life partner. The dad. The brother. The "Papou." The friend. The dog dad. And of course, the Mayor.

Knowing Jeff was like hitting bingo in four numbers, rolling a Yahtzee in one turn, or finding a jackpot on the machine. He was one of those rare people who made life brighter simply by being in it.

Jeff had a contagious smile, a larger-than-life personality, and a sense of humor that could make anyone laugh. Even during his final days, he continued trying to comfort the people around him, somehow still finding humor in difficult moments. That was simply who he was.

If you knew Jeff, you knew his kindness, understanding, hard work, dedication, diligence, and devotion to the people he loved.

Jeff is survived by his fiancée Debra; his children Samantha (Alistair), Ashlee, Robert, Nicole, and Sami; 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 12th, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Hursen Funeral Home & Crematory, SW corner of Roosevelt & Mannheim Roads in Hillside. Funeral Service Wednesday, 10:30 am at the funeral home. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery in Stickney, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations to various animal shelters or veterans organizations, causes that were close to Jeff's heart.

In honor of Jeff's wishes, guests are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue. And if you don't remember Jeff ... then you probably never met him.