Elmer Michael Walsh, Jr. OBITUARY

Elmer Michael Walsh, Jr. OBITUARY

Elmer Michael Walsh, Jr. (“Mike”), age 97, of Winnetka and a former longtime resident of Wilmette, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Mike was born on November 25, 1928, to Elmer Michael Walsh Sr., a former Sheriff of Cook County, and Grace Farwell Walsh. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago, where he attended the University of Chicago Lab School. Mike went on to earn his B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and his J.D. from Georgetown University and served as a First Lieutenant in the USAF.

Mike began his career as an Assistant Attorney for the State of Illinois from 1957 to 1959. He then practiced law with McBride, Baker, Winkie, and Schlosser before entering private practice in Chicago and later Winnetka.

Mike loved sailing and was an inaugural member of the Soling fleet at Wilmette Harbor. He later served as Commodore of Sheridan Shore Yacht Club and was also a member of the Chicago Yacht Club for many years.

Mike was a devoted parishioner of Saints Faith, Hope and Charity Church, where he sang in the choir for many years and also served as a lector.

Mike married Betty (Gorton) Walsh in 1962, and together they raised three children in Wilmette. He relished opera, symphony performances, theater, birdwatching, travel, and sailing with his beloved family and friends.

Mike is survived by his wife and best friend of 63 years, Betty Gorton Walsh; their three children, James Walsh (Takako), Dan Walsh (Charlotte), and Ann Norton (Scott); his sister, Mary Brand; and his grandchildren, whom he adored: Callie, Annabel, Catie, Will, and Charlie.

Visitation, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Services, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL.

Funeral Mass, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at Saints Faith, Hope, and Charity Church, 191 Linden Street, Winnetka, IL.

Interment immediately following Funeral Mass at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.

Info: donnellanfuneral.com or (847)675-1990.