Henry William Valker

Henry William (Bill) Valker May 31, 1935 – August 9, 2025 Henry William (Bill) Valker, 90, peacefully passed away at home on Saturday, August 9, surrounded by loved ones, after an eight-year struggle with dementia.

 Born on May 31, 1935, to George and Helen Valker in Minot, ND—the youngest of five—Bill graduated from Minot High School in 1953, served five years in the Navy, and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from North Dakota State University in 1964. He moved to Chicago in 1967 to teach engineering, where he met Agnes Albright. They married on June 15, 1968, and raised three children, Greg, Gail, and Geoff, in Wood Dale, IL.

 A lifelong tinkerer with a boundless imagination, Bill was never content with the ordinary. When his children were young, he once built a two-seater yellow airplane from scrap wood, turning backyard daydreams into soaring adventures. He also transformed their basement into a roller rink—painting the floor bright red, wiring speakers to the living room phonograph, and offering shelves of adjustable skates for neighborhood kids. And for years, he baked weekly batches of homemade whole-grain sourdough bread for his family. 

Music was the thread that wove through Bill’s life. He began as a clarinet and saxophone player (alto and tenor), performing in dance bands. As a father, he nurtured his children’s artistic spirits with quiet encouragement—happily hosting Greg and Geoff’s basement band practices and nudging Gail toward art classes. His support reminded us to always carve out space for joy.

Those who knew Bill will remember him as a unique individual who marched to the beat of his own drum—cultivating a compost heap and a weed-friendly, conifer forested yard that defied neighbors’ manicured lawns, biking and walking countless miles while others idled in traffic, and approaching life with quiet creativity. 

Beyond his quirks, he was uncommonly kind, taking time to connect with everyone who crossed his path. 

Retiring in 1999 after a 35-year career, Bill devoted himself to family, gardening, and lifelong learning.

 In his 70s, his ingenuity took new forms as he nurtured balcony gardens and crafted flutes from PVC pipes. With these, his harmonica, other instruments he picked up along the way—and a bedtime ritual of singing The Volga Boatman for grandchildren—he often shared the gift of music. For family, caregivers, and visitors, he’d play a tune or hum a melody, bringing warmth, joy, and a touch of humor to any room.

 He had a rare gift for seeing the good in everyone and meeting life with open-minded curiosity. His gentle spirit and generous heart left a lasting mark on all who crossed his path. Though his rhythm may have quieted, the melody of his kindness echoes on.

 Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Agnes (Albright) Valker; children Gregory, Geoffrey [Sarha], and Gail (McNulty) Valker; five grandchildren (Nevin, Kyle [Nupelda], Genevieve, Edward, and Henry); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents; siblings George Jr., John, Elaine, and Mary; and nephews Greg, Brian, and Johnny.

 A brief memorial will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Rd, Elwood, IL on Monday, September 8 at 10 AM. Please arrive by 9:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests planting a conifer tree near your home in Bill’s memory—a timeless way to keep his spirit alive and honor his love of Nature.