It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Richard Valko, aged 80, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at East Troy Manor in East Troy, WI.
John was born on February 10, 1945 in Evanston, IL, to Joseph and Dorothy (Scheffler) Valko.
John is survived by his children, Andrew Valko (Shannon) of Evanston, IL; and Phillip Valko (Cheryl) of St. Louis, MO. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Valko of Kenilworth, IL; stepbrother, Russell Mayerfeld of Kenilworth, IL; his five grandchildren: Will, Sydney, Emily, Ava, and Mia; and nephew Steve Valko and niece Joy White. John is also survived by his former spouses, Patricia Valko, mother of Andrew and Phillip, and Trisha Ricketts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Valko; his brother, Robert Valko; and his nieces, Marie Valko and Karen Valko.
From a young age, John enjoyed designing and building things, which led him to study architecture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. After graduation, he worked in Chicago for several years as a stockbroker. In 1971, he co-founded Gaffer’s, a very successful Chicago restaurant and bar. John later worked for many years as a medical device representative.
John was a supportive father who served as Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 9 in Wilmette, IL for nearly a decade and encouraged his two sons to become Eagle Scouts. He enjoyed spending time outdoors camping, fishing, and telling jokes around a fire.
John had a passion for creating things with his hands. He renovated multiple homes, learning the majority of the trades along the way. Never shying away from a craft, he constructed furniture, built large model boats, carved wooden blocks, created intricate needle points, and knit highly complex sweater patterns. John’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 7, 3:00-5:00 pm at Lake Lawn Resort, located at 2400 E Geneva Street, Delavan, WI, on the Lake Lawn Queen, a docked boat. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life. Please visit http://pp.events/bVQP963n to RSVP.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Boy Scout Troop 9 in Wilmette, IL: 1740 Lake Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091.
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