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We are sad to announce that long time CNWHS Archive and Company Store volunteer Walter Hermann Perlick has passed away. Walter played a major part of setting up the new Company Store in Union.

Walter was born April 23, 1942, passed away November, 10, 2024. He is survived by his wife Mary, sister Marlene Rockel, nephews Carl (Laura) Rockel and Jeffrey (Vickie), and niece Laura (Kurt) Lichtenvoort and their children. He was much beloved by Mary’s siblings, Virginia (dec’d), Pauline, Anne and Paul (dec’d), and nieces and nephews.

A proud graduate of St. Luke School and Luther North High School, he cherished the life-long friends he made there. He spent his forty-one year career at Bankers Life and Casualty – the real Bankers Life. He maintained friendships with Friends at Bankers, whom we consider part of our family.

He enjoyed numerous rail trips along with volunteering and spending time with his fellow train buffs at the Chicago and Northwestern Historical Society Archives. He took thousands of magnificent railroad photos. Whenever any of us saw a train, we always thought of Wally. A lover of classical music, he also studied history and relished traveling in Europe and the United States. He could go anywhere in the country, find his way and give directions to the locals. According to his sister, he was the best brother ever!

A visitation for Walter will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 9:00am until 12:00pm at Oehler Funeral Home (2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL). Funeral services will follow the visitation at 12:00pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.