Wayne T. "Vern" Walsh

Wayne "Vern" T. Walsh, age 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6, 2025 surrounded by his loving family in Naperville, IL. Vern proudly served his country with quiet courage and bravery as an Army veteran during the Vietnam era, spending a defining year in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. Vern's true legacy, however, was his warmth. Vern's affectionate (and sometimes devious) smile and infectious laugh embodied his approach to the world. His special sense of humor, be it with family or a stranger, brought joy and laughter. Vern's humor was generous – it existed to lift others up, to share in the joy of being together. He had a go-with-the-flow kind of spirit – he was ready to be a goofball just to see a smile or hear a laugh. Long before the sun stretched across the lake, Vern was getting his fishing gear ready and puttering across the lake to catch a fish. He was always on the hunt for "Walter", the ever-elusive muskie. And, if you asked him, he almost caught him, but he got away right at the boat. He loved the quiet rhythm of casting lines side by side with whoever he could get in the boat and soaking in the simple joy of being together. And though he received countless new fishing lures over the years, his favorites remained the worn, trusted ones he'd carried for decades-simply because he was always content with what he had; he never felt the need to have the latest and greatest. Vern, lovingly known as "Super Dad" by his daughter Nikki, was never one to sit still. Vern found joy in rolling up his sleeves-whether it was tending to the yard, diving into home improvement projects, or simply moving stones from one spot to another just because it felt right. Vern relied on Nikki to help him spruce up his beloved fountain and flower garden, trusting her keen eye and sharing laughs as they rearranged flowers and stones. It was their tradition-part gardening, part storytelling, but really just building memories. Just as naturally, Vern bonded with his son Bryan over countless car projects. He always cheered Bryan on, even when the garage echoed with the sounds of a sometimes destructive hobby. It wasn't unusual to find Vern right there in the middle of it all-swapping stories, lending tools, and passing down his wisdom and knowledge. Vern was, at his essence, a devoted family man. Whether playfully teasing Nikki or relentlessly provoking Bryan, his love and joy in being with family radiated through every moment shared together. Vern is survived by his loving children Nikki Walsh and Bryan (Anne) Walsh; dear grandchild Anthony Obrochta; fond sisters Diana Siebert and Nancy (John) Feigl and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in passing by his beloved wife Sherry Walsh; loving parents Jack and Dorothea (nee Lindemann) Walsh and sister Marylou (Bill) Fraser. Memorial visitation will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 1-5pm at Anderson Memorial Homes, 21131 W Renwick Rd, Plainfield IL 60544. Military honors and memorial service will begin at 4:30pm. Cremation rites have been accorded. (815-577-5250)