Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Walter A. Zelenika, "Wally"

Passed away on November 21, 2025

Zelenika, Walter A. 'Wally', 90, passed away on November 21, 2025. Born in Ontario, Canada, he was a resident of Lago Vista in Lockport, IL, and formerly of South Holland and raised in Chicago's East Side neighborhood. Wally attended Mt. Carmel High School and Loyola University, and he also earned his Master's Degree at DePaul University. He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran and also very proud of his Croatian heritage. Wally was a longtime science teacher and Assistant Principal at George Washington Elementary School in Chicago. Known by his students as 'Mr. Z', Wally was known as both a terrific and fair teacher with a warm personality. He was a true Gentleman in every sense and knew how to put a smile on everyone's face with his quick wit and a gentle joke. While he was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, he was also a harness racing enthusiast.

Known as "Papa" by his grandchildren, Wally was a fixture at their school performances and their many sporting events over the years. He will be remembered for his kindness to all and his devotion to his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Rita (Grande) Zelenika and his parents Steve and Mary (Saravanja) Zelenika, brother Steve (Ann) Zelenika and sister Helen (Michael) Yuratovac. He is survived by sons Mark (Joyce), John (Lori), James (Polly) and grandchildren: Mark (Shelby), Breanna, Ryan, John, Nick and Julia. Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 26, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Parish, 410 Jefferson Street, Lockport, IL 60441. A private interment for the family will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to Elmwood Chapel – Chicago. For more information 773-731-2749 or www.elmwoodchapel.com

Funeral Mass:
St. Joseph Catholic Church
410 Jefferson St.
Lockport, Illinois 60441
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - 10:00 am

Interment:
Private Interment Holy Cross Cemetery
801 Michigan City Road
Calumet City, Illinois 60409

Visitation Location

St. Joseph Catholic Church
410 Jefferson St.
Lockport, Illinois 60441

Visitation Information

Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - 9:00 am until 10:00 am

Condolences
"My deepest condolences to the entire family. He was a very kind and special man. I’m going to miss his calls which usually ended with a joke. "
- Mary Cueller
November 22, 2025 9:25 pm
"My condolences to his family he was my science teacher in high school nice man may he rest in peace in the hands of the Lord!!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️"
- Sandra Santilli
November 22, 2025 9:38 pm
"To Mr Zelenika’s family, my sincere condolences. Both of my children attended Washington Elementary School, and when my daughter was in eighth grade, the school started hiring what they then called School Assistants. I applied, and Mr. Zelenika hired me. I ended up working there for 27 years. I was always so grateful that he had faith in me. He was the consummate professional, and a very kind man."
- Pat Crum
November 24, 2025 9:47 am
"We were sorry to hear of Wally's passing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Don and Marge Tomich "
- Don Tomich
November 25, 2025 8:30 am
"The thoughts and prayers of the Mount Carmel High School community are with your family during these days. May the saints of Carmel welcome Walter into God's eternal embrace and may Our Lady of Mount Carmel wrap you in the mantle of her love and care. "
- Mount Carmel High School
November 25, 2025 9:04 am
Candles Lit