John Raphael Walsh

CHAMPAIGN - John, lovingly known as "Jack," was born to make a difference in this world on Aug. 23, 1942, in Atwood, to Geneva C. and John W. Walsh. He departed us peacefully at home in Champaign on Sunday (Aug. 10, 2025) to join his brother, Ed, and parents in his eternal home.

Jack lived a life rich with service, meaning and love. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, a brilliant mind among the ranks of Mensa, an avid golfer, and a singer whose voice turned an ordinary day into a cherished memory. Jack was an animated storyteller and loved to share memories of his time in college at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he studied "beer drinking" and obtained a bachelor of science degree. He always inspired those who listened, recounting his lifelong service to the military, his travels to Germany and Japan, annual golf outings with cousins, and all the shenanigans he got into as a child, but always with a smattering of the Russian language told in his tales.

Yet, his proudest role was that of father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In Jack's eyes, family was the truest measure of wealth. Though his final note has sung, it resonates through the lives of those he loved.

Jack is survived and deeply loved by his children, siblings and many family members: son Wesley Walsh of Decatur (grandchildren Valerie, Jacob and Liam); daughter Susan Walsh of Tolono (grandchildren Brook, Tucker and Justin) (great-grandchildren Dakota and Nash); and son Andrew Walsh of Champaign (grandchildren Sunny, Andrew, Jack, Marvin and Riley).

In remembrance of Jack, a viewing is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon at Freese Funeral Home, 407 S. Bourne St., Tolono. A private funeral service for family will immediately follow. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ivesdale.