Obituary of Walter David Hooks, III
Walter David Hooks, III, age 71 of Bolingbrook and formerly of Joliet died peacefully Thursday, April 1, 2021 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home with his devoted wife at his side.
Born September 15, 1949 in Utica, NY, Dave was the oldest son of Walter David and Agnes (Scholl) Hooks.
Most of his youth was spent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he spent much of his time dodging the nuns and his mother, all of whom wanted to curb his energy by having him altar serve. Dave claimed a school record of serving two daily Masses and two funerals in a single day. He attended Notre Dame High School in Milwaukee, graduating in 1967 and moved with his family to Joliet shortly thereafter.
After enlisting in the U.S. Army, Dave served as MP in Korea for several years. The precision and discipline of military life stayed with Dave. He always liked things in order and there always was a regiment to his daily routine. Upon returning from the Army, he completed his education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where he experienced college life to the fullest.
Throughout his career, Dave was a consummate salesman. He loved the art of a deal, and he loved hearing and sharing a good sales story. He always celebrated the wins and empathized with the losses. Dave’s dedication to his work and his entrepreneurial spirit were key elements to his success.
Dave always said his children were the pride and joy of his life and his greatest accomplishment. He surrounded Ali and Colin with deep and fierce love. Even up to his last days, he vowed that “anything I can do for you, I will.”
In 2006, Dave was contacted by his high school reunion committee. The caller was Terry Schaefer—his prom date from junior year. They both went to the reunion—as newlyweds fresh from their wedding in Sanibel Island, Florida. Terry and Dave enjoyed every minute of their time together including travel, movies, sporting events and Jeopardy.
Dave was a voracious reader of a vast array of genres. He loved a good film, the White Sox, the Green Bay Packers and a Saturday night fight. Like most Irishmen, he enjoyed hearing himself talk, but with his incredible vocabulary and beautiful diction, a conversation with Dave was a true joy that will be deeply missed.
Surviving are his loving wife, Terry (Schaefer) Hooks of Bolingbrook; his devoted children, Alison (David) Gomez and Colin (Alex) Hooks, both of Shorewood; three adoring grandchildren, Marley Vocu, Penelope Gomez and Maximus Gomez; his brothers and sisters, Ellen McVey (the late James) of Depoe Bay, Oregon, Stephen (Jeanie) Hooks of Joliet, Thomas (Lee Ann Banas) Hooks of New Lenox, and Eileen (Ralph) Gutierrez of Joliet; his wife’s daughter Jennifer Schaefer and her children Hope and Jaxon of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss their Uncle Dave.
A Memorial Gathering for Dave Hooks will be held Friday, April 9, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:30 a.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, (at Essington Road), Joliet. Private interment will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded under the auspices of the United States Army.
Dave’s family wishes to send heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Joliet Area Community Hospice for their kind and loving care of Dave. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
