Walter Simak, affectionately known as Wally, Waldo, Pops, Grumpa and Punk Kid, died on Jan. 3, 2007. He was a kind, gentle, humble man loved by everyone he met. He enjoyed fishing trips with his boys, and traveling all over the world with his wife, Jeanne. He loved life, living it to its fullest. His Sunday breakfast creations were always a treat, along with his specialty Christmas pierogi. He helped whenever needed, whether house sitting, pet sitting or using his handyman skills. He was an expert horseshoe player in Sun City, AZ. His daily coffee, bowls of Cheerios, bottles of Miller Lite beer will be no longer. With the help of his sons he almost loved NASCAR. A simple joyful man with a smile for everyone will be deeply missed by his wife, Jeanne, nee Patzin; his children, Wally (Sandy), Rick (Eileen), Marybeth (Mark) Solomon, Tom, Martha Ann, David (Diana), Julie (Tony) Rico and Gerard; his grandchildren, Ron (Julie), Jim Burdzinski, Emily, Elizabeth, Sarah, Margaret and Kerry Solomon, Jessica, Cameron, Nicholas, Sean and Brandon; his sisters, Helen Clark and Lucy (Joe) Rachowicz; his brother, Frank (Verbena) Szymakowski. He is fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Marianne Piet and Carol Patzin. He was a wonderful uncle to many nieces and nephews. Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Alexandra Szymakowski; his sister, Sophie Brozek; and his brother, Joseph Szymakowski. Visitation Sunday, Jan. 7 from 3 to 9 p.m. Funeral Monday, Jan. 8 at 9 a.m. from Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem), Orland Park, to St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 9300 W. 167th St., Orland Hills, for a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations for the needs of St. Procopius Church appreciated. Express your thoughts and condolences on the guest book at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400.
