Paul T. Walliker

Paul Theodore Walliker, 70, of Galva, IL, passed away on November 4, 2023. He was born on August 26, 1953, in Peoria, IL, to the late Martha (Smith) Walliker and Leroy Walliker. Paul was an incredibly kind, caring, patient, and extremely intelligent person who was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Paul had a witty sense of humor and loved working around his 130-year-old home, where he could fix just about anything. Dogs also played a very important part of Paul's life, starting when he was just a boy. Probably the one thing Paul was most proud of was his children and grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Shari (Morgan) Walliker of Galva, IL; his sister, Nina Walliker of Manito, IL; his stepdaughter, Brianna Bleichner of Geneseo, IL; his son, Paul Theodore (Lisa) Walliker II of Washington, IL; his daughter, Heidi (David) Benson of Macomb, IL; his grandchildren, Carter Benson, Owen Benson, and Logan Walliker; as well as several nephews and one niece. Paul was preceded in death by his sister Nancy (Ray) Trudt.

Paul attended Kelly Avenue Elementary School in Peoria Heights, IL, and attended Woodruff High School for 2 years, then graduated from Bergan High School in Peoria, IL. He furthered his education at Illinois State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and later obtained a Master of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix.

From 1972 to 1975, Paul proudly served in the United States Army. After his military service, he dedicated the majority of his career to Caterpillar Inc., where he worked for 35 years before retiring in 2014.

In his free time, Paul had a passion for agility training with his dogs Boomer and Ellie. He also took up running after retiring and participated in races of multiple distances up to a half marathon. Being a lifelong lover of theater, Paul and his wife regularly went to numerous Broadway in Chicago shows. Paul was actively involved in the Galva School District as a school board member, serving as president for several years. Additionally, he was a substitute teacher for Galva School District after his retirement. Paul was a member of the Galva American Legion Hagberg-Hamlin Post 45 and even earned a spot as a contestant on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." In his younger years, he served as a volunteer firefighter in Stanford, IL, and was also a Boy Scout leader for his son, Paul II.

A Celebration of Life to honor Paul Walliker will take place from 1:00-4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 3 at the Galva American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are preferred and can be made to the Galva Food Pantry located at 314 NW 4th St, Galva, IL 61434.

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