Katherine A. Walker

Katherine Ann Sallade Walker (76) unexpectedly passed away September 23, 2025. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Richard Leroy Sallade and Edway Whitaker Sallade. She attended St. Augustine of Canterbury in Belleville and graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame. Receiving a State of Illinois Scholarship, she graduated from Quincy College in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in fine arts. She worked for the Quincy Herald Whig for thirteen years as a photographer and had her own bylined feature called Photo Poll where she asked a current question from people at random on the street. The poll question of "what does Santa do the rest of the year" with answers from children got national attention. She had photos published in Sports Illustrated, Parent's Magazine, Women's World, and American Women in Business. She received a Master of Science degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism from Western Illinois University in 1988. She was the first Executive Director of the Macomb Area Convention Bureau.

Katherine is survived by her daughter, Karen Walker (a chef in Chicago); son, John Douglas Walker (deceased); Dan Walker of St. Petersburg, Florida, father of their children; sister, Marie Sallade Lay of Mascoutah, Illinois; countless friends; and her cat, Roxie.

Katherine moved to Galena in 2011 becoming the Executive Director of CVB, retiring in 2017. She joined the staff at the Grant Home in 2018 where she loved giving tours. Her boss often said she was a "crackerjack of a tour guide - she knew more about Grant than any of us."

A member of PEO, Katherine was also elected to the Galena Library Board and was currently their president. She loved musicals, Jigsaw Puzzles, was an avid reader and loved to play games.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Galena Public Library, 601 S. Bench St., Galena, IL 61036 or to the Macomb Art Center, 25 E. Side Square, Macomb, IL 61455. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.