BERNARD WALKSLER

The lights have dimmed on Crescent Boulevard as, cloaked in the love of his
devoted family, Bernard Walksler passed away quietly in the wee small hours of
January 6. A child of the Great Depression, Bernie was born in Chicago on
September 26, 1931, the middle of three sons born to Jennie and Sidney Walksler.
He spent his childhood on the west side of the city, graduating from Crane
Technical High School in 1949. In 1951, he married Mina Carmignani of Cicero,
and within a few short years, welcomed two sons … Douglas and Dale. Bernie
brought his young family to Glen Ellyn in 1956 … sinking roots in the Village
which were to last for over six decades. In the late 60s, Bernie combined his great
affinity for people with a natural talent for sales, transitioning into the world of
residential real estate, with Mina at his side. In 1974, they bought Seery & Keim
Realtors … aka the Hometown Team … which they developed into a dominant force
in the local market, surviving as the only independent broker in Glen Ellyn, before
Bernie lost his beloved partner and wife in 1978. A second chapter in his life
subsequently unfolded when he met and married Mary Ellen Voltaggio in late
1979. They shared 43 years together. Although he sold S&K in 2000, Bernie kept
active well into his late 80s, making daily treks to the office until the worldwide
pandemic literally forced him into permanent retirement.

In the early 2000s, his son Dale built a museum devoted to American-made
motorcycles in western North Carolina which afforded Bernie years of unparalleled
joy as a volunteer at Dale’s Wheels Through Time. He made countless road trips
to Maggie Valley, and proudly bore the title of “Number One Museum Supporter,”
wiling away untold happy hours with a dust rag in his back pocket … greeting
visitors with his unbridled enthusiasm and an endless stash of stories.

In whatever quiet time he allowed himself, Bernie was a voracious reader, in
particular devouring volumes of historical works about WWII and the Holocaust.
He was an ardent supporter of our military who regardless of the weather, never
missed Veterans Day and Memorial Day services at Lake Ellyn.

He was an avid fisherman who spent years fishing on a host of lakes throughout the
upper Midwest before branching out to more exotic locales in northern Canada,
Alaska, Belize, Honduras and Costa Rica … where he was in perpetual search of
the elusive tarpon.

His fondness for fishing was surpassed only by his zeal for horse racing at Arlington
Park where he was a regular Sunday afternoon fixture until the track’s closing in
September 2021 … coincidentally, and fittingly, as Bernie celebrated his 90th
birthday in the Million Room! He enjoyed poker games with old cronies, gin
rummy, trips to Las Vegas … and daily stops at the Seven Eleven for lottery tickets,
always anticipating the big win. “Hope springs eternal!” … as he was wont to say!

Lovingly referred to as the “Energizer Bernie,” his vigor for life was unlimited and
his impact on those who came within his sphere … both young and old alike …
was far-reaching. His mantra … “What can I do to help you?” … was imbedded
into his core, and a question he asked frequently throughout each day. He had an
inimitable way with a word, and came up with a quotable quote for every occasion
… “profound profundities” which he routinely and freely shared with one and all.
A personal and professional mentor to so many, his wisdom, indomitable spirit and
joie de vivre as a husband, father, grandfather and friend will forever be treasured …
and missed. 

Bernie is survived by his wife Mary Ellen, son Douglas (Carol); grandchildren
Colby Walksler, Matthew (Hailey) Walksler, Aaron Walksler and Regan (Kari)
Miller; great grandchildren Evelyn, Ava, Brooke and Christopher Walksler,
Mackenzie, Annabella, Charlotte and Lilliana Miller. He was preceded in death by
his dear wife Mina, and his cherished son, Dale (Trish).

Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Gary Sinise
Foundation https://www.garysinisefoundation.org