Jake Wald Jr.

Jake Wald, Jr., age 94, of Gravois Mills, passed away Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Laurie Care Center. He was born November 1, 1930, in Paris, Arkansas, a son of the late Jake, Sr. and Sylvia (Shirley) Wald.
Jake dropped out of school in the 8th grade to help support his family during the Depression. Later, he moved out of rural Arkansas to Illinois for better employment opportunities. While living in Illinois, he met his future bride on a blind date, roller skating. On December 15, 1951, he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Schmidt. They completed their family with the adoption of a son and daughter, Robert and Patricia.
Jake was a mail carrier, walking eight miles each day until his retirement after thirty-five years. He enjoyed spending his time vegetable and flower gardening and square dancing. He and Betty were members of the Happy Swingers Square Dance Club for many years.
Jake was a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Chicago Heights, Illinois.
He was a loving Father and Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his children, Robert Wald (Elizabeth) and Patricia Vandewater (Wayne); grandchildren, Emily Wald (David Williford), Ethan Wald (Jasmine), Riley Vandewater (Sarah); great-granddaughter, Maisie Vandewater; sisters, Betty Jane (Wald) Schmalz and Dorothy (Wald) Schmitz (Robert); brother, Tom Wald (Dana) and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Wald, brothers, William Wald and Anton Wald and sister, Marilou Revis.
A celebration of Jake's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 23rd, at the West Lake Christian Church in Laurie with Reverend Murray Frick officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m., Friday, at the church. A graveside service and inurnment will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Flossmoor, Illinois at a later date in mid June. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 330 Highland Drive, Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.