Barbara R. Walk (79) of Sigel

BARBARA ROSE WALK, 79, OF Sigel, Illinois, on June 30, 2020 after a long courageous battle, her soul took its flight back to "Him" who gave it.

She was born November 30, 1940 on the family farm west of Effingham, the second child of Robert and Elizabeth (Repking) Osthoff. Barb began her faith journey a few days later when she was baptized in St. Anthony Of Padua Church. She attended St. Anthony Schools graduating in 1958. She then began working at Effingham Equity in the grain department as secretary and accountant. On August 12, 1961 she was married to Mike Walk in St. Anthony Church by Fr. John J. Goff. Barb and Mike became parents of four sons, Rick, Greg, Karl and Brian. In 1970 Barb, Mike and the boys moved to Mike’s parents' farm northeast of Sigel. In addition to helping raise four boys she became the bookkeeper, which she continued doing until early this year. She also helped in any way she could. She told Mike that she would drive the tractor or the baler or help him to sort hogs but if he yelled at her like he yelled at his dad or the boys she was heading to the house. Barb loved crafts, especially painting. Many of her paintings decorate their home and her children and grandchildren’s homes. Barb also attended her children and grandchildren’s events, scholastic, sports, 4-H etc.

Barb was a 4-H leader for 19 years. Barb loved volunteering as Sacristan at St Michael Church, which she did for 20 years, only retiring earlier this year when her health would no longer permit.

Barb is survived by her husband, Mike; sons, Rick (Teresa) of Sigel, Greg (Carol) of Neoga and Brian (Stacey) of Sigel; daughter in law, Janet Walk of Kirkwood, MO; eleven grandchildren, Emily, Nick, Derek (Jessie) Natalie, Sam (Molly) Becky, Erin, Megan, Ethan, Isaac and Claire; two great grandchildren, Mackenzie and Lucas Walk; three sisters, Carolyn Bowlin (Jim) of Effingham, Evelyn Thies (Ted) of Greenville and Cathy Mulligan (Tom) of Decatur; her aunts Gert Harris (Charles) of Effingham and Mary Crean of Mattoon; cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by, her son, Karl, parents, and infant sister, Rita.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the St. Michael School or St. Michael Church, please mail to Mike Walk 512 Co. Rd. 100 E Sigel, IL 62462.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 3, 2020 at 6:30 PM in the St. Michael, The Archangel Church in Sigel with Fr Sunder Ery and Fr. Suresh Sambaturu officiating. A Drive Through Visitation will be held Friday, July 3, 2020 from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM. also at the church. Burial will be in the St. Michael Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Heartland Senior Living of Neoga for the excellent care Barb received, all of our relatives, friends and neighbors for their help, support and prayers. A special thanks to Fr. Ery and Fr. Suresh for all they did, prayers and visits during this difficult time.

The Swengel - O'Dell Funeral Home of Neoga, IL is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.