Born: March 21, 1942 - Deceased: September 20, 2026
Walter J. Ptasnik, 84, passed away on September 20, 2026. He was born on March 21, 1942, and lived a life devoted to education, service, learning, and the people he touched along the way.
Walter dedicated more than 40 years of his life to Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), where he served as a professor of anatomy and biology. Throughout his remarkable career, he shared his knowledge and passion for the human body with generations of students. His dedication to teaching and to his students left a lasting impression on the SWIC community and on the many lives he influenced over the years.
In the 1960s, Walter served in the U.S. Peace Corps, an experience that took him to Africa. His time there reflected his spirit of adventure, service, and willingness to experience and learn from the world beyond his own community.
Outside of his professional life, Walter enjoyed golf and darts. He appreciated the camaraderie, friendly competition, and time spent with others that came with both activities. These simple pleasures brought him many happy memories throughout his life. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes.
Walter will be remembered for his more than four decades of dedication to education, his service in the Peace Corps, and the countless students, colleagues, friends, and family members whose lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Walter Ptasnik and Martha Bulakowsky
Surviving are his:
- Son: Elliot (Shana) Ptasnik of Charlotte, NC
- Grandson: Max Ptasnik
- Brother: Paul (Kathleen) Ptasnik of Lenexa, KS
- Sister: Jeanette (Mauricio) Vaquerano of Des Moines, IA
6 Comments
Walt and I experienced many laughs and adventures together. Walt will always be remembered for his calm, demeanor and sharp wit. Walt was good at everything he did. Godspeed Walt you will be dearly missed
Elliot,
From the mid 70s til early 90s I was very close friends with your dad. I shot dart leagues with him in Southern Illinois and St. Louis. Walt was always calm under pressure, humble and had a great sense of humor. Many people admired your father’s skills and expertise. Walt was very well respected and had a compassionate heart. We shared many laughs and occasions together. Elliot, one particular evening still stands out ….Walt picked me up for darts and he smiled and looked at me and said he was going to be a dad; He was so proud and happy.
I moved to Texas in 1993 and only connected with Walt a few times after that. However, your dad made a lasting impression on me; I will always remember his competitive spirit and the friendship we shared.
Jim (Leroy) Weck
I enjoyed hanging around Walter, we had a lot of laughs together.. Our kids swam on swim team during the summers. We had a lot of fun watching them. We golf a lot and I would watch him throw darts. He was super good at darts. Walt was the fun to hang around with. I will miss him.
Well, I spent countless weekends on Cherry St watching Elliot! We all laughed in that basement and watched sports! I am sure Walt was inspirational in me making sure I had goals to strive for too! Truly always enjoyed our get togethers!!! We have another Angel!
We are so glad we were able to see Walt last spring . Many memories of Walt through the years , all the way back to him coaching Kent for Swic (BAC) hockey back in the 70’s . Elliot, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .🙏🏼
I was in Mr. Ptasnik’s A&P class at SWIC back in the 70’s….He was an excellent teacher and my favorite… So sorry Elliott….Mickey’s mom Babs