Walter Edward Deuchler Jr.

1929 - 2023

Walter Edward Deuchler, Jr. died on May 15, 2023 at age 93 in Downers Grove, IL. Wally was born November 14, 1929 at Copley Memorial Hospital in Aurora, Illinois, the son of Walter and Nell Deuchler. He graduated from West Aurora High School in 1947, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. He was on the undefeated football team, riflery team, the track team, and the West Aurora band.

In June, 1951, he graduated from the University of Illinois with University High Honors. Upon graduation he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and spent two years at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, where he achieved the rank of Captain.

In 1951, Wally married Suzanne Clark. After being discharged from the Air Force, they came back to Aurora where they built their home and lived for almost 70 years. Wally earned an MBA from Northwestern University and became President of the engineering firm of Walter E. Deuchler Associates, where he worked on many projects related to roads and sanitation. The Deuchlers had two children, Mark and Maryll. He also had a sister, Elizabeth Bettenhausen, and four nephews and nieces.

In 1976, Wally's wife, Suzanne Deuchler, was elected to the Kane County Board, and in 1980 she was elected to the Illinois Legislature, where she remained for 18 years until she retired in 1998. During this time, Wally actively supported Sue's political career, of which he felt very proud.

One of Wally's interests was raising Quarter Horses, of which he owned 18, including the foals. He showed them around the area and won many ribbons. Sue and Wally also enjoyed taking overseas trips, traveling to 31 countries over the course of their 71-year marriage, including visits to Wally's relatives in Germany. Wally also enjoyed humor, mystery stories, dogs, genealogical research, and cooking.

Wally took a leadership role in many local agencies, including The Salvation Army, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the YWCA, the Marie Wilkinson Child Development Center, Jennings Terrace, the Community Counseling Center (now Gateway), the Union League Club, the Kiwanis Club of Aurora, and the local chapter of NAMI. He was widely held in high esteem for his caring nature, sparkling wit and generosity.

Wally is survived by his daughter Maryll Deuchler Moon and grand-daughter, Erika Kleibrink. His wife, Suzanne, predeceased him in 2022, and his son, Mark, in 1990. A memorial service will be held at Healy Chapel in Aurora on Sunday, June 25 at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Wally to the Marie Wilkinson Child Development Center in Aurora, 1144 E Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60505.