Walter Jerome Sedlacek, Jr., 93, of Harbert and Fort Myers, Florida, died peacefully, Thursday, September 19, 2024, in the presence of his family.
His life began September 2, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest of three children born to Walter Jerome Sedlacek, Sr. and Mae Pavelek. He married Catharine Marie Carraro November 9, 1963 in Cicero, Illinois.
Walter loved to travel, spend time in Florida, and grew up most of his life coming to Michigan to enjoy the beach. In the 1970’s, he had the shell of a home built in Michigan and spent weekends finishing the home, while teaching his kids how to complete DIY projects.
A love for learning led Walter to teaching science, spending his entire career in education ultimately retiring as Assistant Superintendent in Woodridge. In retirement, he continued teaching and sharing his knowledge through volunteer activities, including nearly twenty-five years as a guide at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Florida. There he taught visitors, including his grandchildren, about the flora and native animals.
Walter will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-one years, Catharine Sedlacek of Harbert and Fort Myers, Florida; one daughter, Ellen (David) Duffy, Carol Stream, Illinois; two sons, Walter (Robin) Sedlacek, III of West Chicago, Illinois, Brent (Christine) Sedlacek of Harbert; nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Walter IV “Jake”, Jonathon, Nick, Michael, Evan, Makenzie, Nathan, Quynh; and a host of extended relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Melvin and Jerome Sedlacek.
Please contact the family for details on the upcoming visitation and service.
Walter will be laid to rest in Lakeside Cemetery.
The family prefers contributions in memory of Walter be made to The National American Legion, Post Office Box 1055, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 or at mylegion.org and to Six
Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, 7791 Penzance Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33966 or at sloughpreserve.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.
Posted On: Monday, September 23, 2024 11:39 AM
