Walter Ignatius Dudek – beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother – was called to his eternal home on February 4, 2025 from his residence in Romeoville, Illinois. He was born in Chicago to the late Ignatius Joseph and Angeline Dudek.

Walter is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Jo Dudek, nee Walker; his sons Stephen (Mary) Dudek, Michael (Jacqueline) Dudek, and Timothy Dudek; his daughter Kathryn (Adam) O’Leary; his grandson Stephen Dudek Jr; his sister Patricia (William) Mauk; his brother John (Kathleen) Dudek, and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, preceding Walter in death was his sister Theresa and her husband John Schneider and their daughter Suzy Stoneburner.

Walter graduated from the University of Illinois in 1960 with a Bachelor’s degree in Management. He was an alumnus of the Beta Chapter of the Phi Kappa Fraternity and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

Walter went to work for Dudek & Bock Spring Manufacturing Company (founded by his father, Ignatius Joseph Dudek and his business partner Stanley Bock in 1946). He worked various positions under their tutelage before attaining the position of Executive Vice-President of Personnel. He then took over as President of Dudek & Bock in 1988 and held the position until his retirement in 2000. He took great pride in his many professional accomplishments and remained an active member of the Board of Directors and as a principle shareholder throughout his retirement, and even temporarily came out of retirement to be General Manager of an acquisition until health issues forced him to retire again.

Walter had a love for cars and boats and enjoyed golfing. His most treasured memories were of times spent with loved ones including fishing trips to Canada, skiing trips to the Rocky Mountains, and visits to Disney World, Grand Haven, Michigan, or Siesta Key, Florida. In his retirement, Walter could be found boating, at a local hobby store adding to his train collection, putting together puzzles, or simply spending time with his family.

Walter was a social butterfly loved by many. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved life and all it offered, and had a warm and loving heart. The famous quote “a heart is not judged by how much you love, but how much you are loved by others,” was certainly true of Walter. It was being a husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and uncle that he valued the most. His love was unconditional; even when disagreements arose, he never let them detract from the love he felt for those he cared about. No matter what, he was always willing to lend a supportive ear and offer what advice he could to those who needed it, and if he could, bring a smile or a laugh to another. He was happiest when those around him were happy. His smile was contagious.

Visitation will be held at Anderson Memorial Home at 21131 W. Renwick Road in Plainfield on Monday, February 10, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Mary Immaculate Parish at 15629 S. Route. 59, Plainfield, Illinois on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:30am. His burial will be private.