Bernice J. Walker

Bernice J. Walker Obituary

Born: October 29, 1928 Joliet, IL

Died: May 1, 2025, Joliet, IL

Bernice J. Walker, Nee Starasinich age 96, left this world to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ after a brief illness.

Survived by her loving husband of seventy-three years, Donald L. Walker, and children Jeanne (Kevin) Forkal and Donald M. Walker. Numerous nieces and nephews and other loved ones also survive.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Theresa Jerman and John Starasinich; her sisters Theresa Connor, Margaret Starasinich, and Anna Marth; and her brothers Elmer Starasinich and William Starasinich.

Born in Joliet and a lifelong resident, Bernice worked as a secretary at the Joliet Arsenal as well as a stenographer and cashier at Sweetorr & Co in Joliet where she met the love of her life. After the birth of her first child, she became a full-time devoted mom. She loved to cook, bake amazing poticas, go on cross country bus trips to see the US, take long walks, and spend time with her family. She also cared for her mother as she aged and was unable to. She placed faith and family as the highest priority in her life, and was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025 from 3:00 pm -7:00 pm with a "Sharing of Memories" at 6:30 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435. The Visitation continues at Tezak’s on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 9:00 am, proceeding to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago St. Joliet, IL for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. We will then process to Bernice’s final resting place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 1500 N. Raynor Ave. Joliet for a graveside committal service immediately following the close of Mass.