Paul J. Valek

He was born on January 31, 1950 in Joliet, IL, the son of the late Peter and Ann (Hertko) Valek. He married Elizabeth Scott in Jacksonville, IL in 1998 and she survives.

Paul worked for the State of IL Department of Human Services, retiring in 2014. He loved to write, play, and perform music for people. He published a CD with him singing and playing all the instrumentals titled, “Each Day With You”. He played with a band called Tapestry in the Jacksonville, IL area. Paul and his wife Elizabeth enjoyed spending time at their second home on the Columbia River in Oregon.

Besides his wife Elizabeth, he is survived by his children Megan (Brett) Kitterman of Austin, TX and Anicka Valek of Murrayville, IL; his other children, Rachel (Lane) Tendick of Jacksonville, IL , Michelle (Troy) Rose of Newberg, OR, Amy Wilkerson of Corvallis, OR, and Eleisha Whitney-Olson of Urbana, IL; grandchildren, Addison, Colton, and Kali Kitterman; other grandchildren, Amanda Jo (Ben) Reab, Mark Moffitt, Keith Moffitt, McKenzie Durbin, Keeghan Duncan, Madilyn and Olivia Wilkerson, Moira Canull, and Ian Weikle; many great-grandchildren; siblings, Peter (Judy) Valek, Bernard (Elba) Valek, and Ray (Jeanette) Valek; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great nephews and nieces.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by many loved aunts and uncles.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 from 2 to 5 pm at the funeral home. Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to PBS, NPR, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the charity of the donor’s choice.