Joseph Frederick Schalk Jr.

Joseph “Joe” Frederick Schalk Jr., 81, of Bolingbrook, passed away surrounded by love ones on March 12, 2026. Beloved Husband of Catherine L Schalk for a devoted 60 years. Loving Father of Christina Elizabeth (Ronald) Strong and beloved grandchildren Nathan Robert, Sara Elizabeth, and Jason Ronald. Faithful Brother of Joanne Watson of Loraine, IL. Uncle and cousin to many.

Born November 15, 1944 in Quincy, Illinois, Joseph was the son of Albert and Katherine (Saylor) Koenig. Joseph joined the US Navy in 1962 at the age of 17 there he earned his GED. Serving with distinction on the USS Algol (AKA-54) as Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB). October 1962 the USS Algol (AKA-54) served as a support unit for the U.S. naval "quarantine" of Cuba during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. He married Catherine L Drummond Schalk on September 17, 1966 in New Jersey.

Joseph enjoyed traveling, reading science fiction, fantasy, mysteries; playing computer games, watching movies and the Hallmark channel. He took pleasure in reading, learning and experiencing History of all types. Joe loved his pet cats over the years, especially fond of black cats Delaney being his most recent beloved cat. Family was the most important to Joe, he especially loved spending time with them during family reunions, holidays, birthdays, and celebrations. His amazing sense of humor and charming smile made everyone around him feel the warmth of his delightful nature.

Joseph has been employed by Kinney Shoes, Bakers Shoes, Fretter, Silo, Circuit City, retiring in 2020 from Best Buy as Microsoft Manager. Joe spent his career talking with people daily; enjoying speaking with his customers and helping them with their needs.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents; Albert and Katherine Koenig, his sister Barbara Wisniewski; nephew Lawrence Smith.

A Memorial for Joseph will take place Friday, March 20, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a Service starting at 1:00 PM, at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave. Lisle, IL 60532.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to Wounded Warrior Project and Haven Humane Animal Shelter in Joesph’s name are greatly appreciated.