Former Lake Zurich pastor dies

A pastor emeritus at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Zurich has died after several weeks of hospice care, Archdiocese of Chicago officials announced Friday.

The Rev. Richard J. Valker, 79, died Thursday at St. Norbert Parish’s rectory in Northbrook, where he lived for several years and received the hospice care. Officials said Valker was an archdiocese priest for 54 years.

St. Francis de Sales Pastor David F. Ryan said there were prayers during every Sunday Mass for Valker as his health declined over the past few months. Ryan said he visited with Valker and described him as positive to the end.

“He was ready to go. He was spiritually prepared,” Ryan said.

Valker began his stay at St. Francis de Sales as associate pastor from 1980 to 1982. He took over as pastor for the next 11 years, departing in 1992.

Valker left St. Francis de Sales for St. Norbert, where he served as associate pastor until 2001. He was named pastor emeritus of St. Francis de Sales after his retirement in 2001.

His name carries on at St. Francis de Sales, with Valker Hall on the church’s lower level. Valker received the honor at his farewell celebration, in part because of his hard work.

“He is very fondly remembered here in the (St. Francis de Sales) parish by many people,” Ryan said. “He was a good guy.”

St. Norbert Pastor Robert Heinz said Valker was beloved by parishioners. He also said Valker was fond of athletics and was known to watch young parishioners in games at Glenbrook and Loyola high schools.

“Parishioners would stand in line after Mass just to talk with him, and everyone thought he was their best friend,” Heinz said.

Heinz also said Valker was a grateful and humble man with a sense of humor who had a knack for delivering homilies that drew from everyday life.

Valker’s wake is set for 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at St. Norbert, 1809 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Cardinal Francis George will be the main celebrant for Valker’s funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Norbert.

Survivors include the priest’s sisters, Ann Benge and Virginia Valker.