Howard Clarence Schalk

Howard Clarence Schalk, of Vernon Hills, IL, passed away on April 9, 2018 at the age of 92. He was married for 60 years to Mildred "Babe" (Tess) Schalk, who died in Sun City West, AZ in 2009. They are survived by children: Nancy (Rich) Klassen of Montague, MI, Carolann Schalk (Craig Binney) of Lake Forest, IL, and Bill (Cathie) Schalk of St. Joseph, MI; grandchildren: Jamie (Anne) Binney, Emily (Bill) Musante, Tessa (Andrew) Saari, Wil (Jean) Klassen, Andrew Schalk, Stephen (Colleen) Schalk, Patrick Schalk (partner Britteny Bratschi) and Alesya Schalk; and great-grandchildren: Taylor and Riley Binney, Dylan and Emersyn Saari, Eva and Mia Musante and Nell Schalk. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Nelda (Fliegel) Schalk, sister, Dorothy, brother, Walter (Arlene), and sister, Arlene (Ralph) Gebert. Howie and Babe grew up blocks apart in Edison Park, IL, and attended Ebinger Grade School and Taft High School together. After service in the Army Air Corp during World War II, Howie attended the University of Washington and graduated from Bradley University. They married in Chicago in 1949 and in 1952 built a house in Park Ridge, where they lived for 34 years and raised their family. Howie started work at Jewel Foods in 1948 as a butcher. His 37-year career included positions as store manager, regional manager and in personnel and public relations. Widely known throughout the company, Howie was a friend and council to thousands of employees during his tenure. They pulled up stakes and moved to Sun City West, AZ, in 1986 after he retired. Their second life centered on travel and Howie's involvement with the local theatre community, where they made many close friends and travel partners. Howie and Babe's travels took them to more than 60 countries, many more than once, including favorites New Zealand and Norway.The loss of his life partner Babe was hard on Howie. The role-reversal of him as caregiver after her 60-plus years of doting on him exemplified their lifelong bond of love and commitment. Their move to Arizona might have limited, but it never stopped their love, dedication and support of their children and then extended family. Be it flying in to babysit, providing emotional or financial support, or the many large family gatherings that were held, Howie and Babe's pride and love for family was always on display and at the front of their thoughts. In later years, Howie's service to the military and the impact of World War II on his peers played a big role in his life. He was looking forward to his second "Honor Flight" to Washington D.C. in the days before his death. Whether you were a new checker at a Jewel store, a racquetball partner or a great grandchild, Howie had an amazing talent to create a unique and special connection with everyone he met. He impacted many, many lives, and his legacy lives on in all of us. The family is planning a memorial service on May 19, details to follow.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Honor Flight Chicago, 9701 West Higgins, Suite 310, Rosemont, IL 60018.