Stuart G. Walesh, 84 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the VNA Hospice Center. He was born May 19, 1941, in Two Rivers, WI, to the late George and Ethel (Tippy) Walesh. After receiving his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Valparaiso University, Stu earned his master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, and his PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Stu made his career as a civil engineer and leader in the academic, government, and private sectors. He was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE).
While Stu was an engineer through and through, he was also an author, artist and a lifelong learner. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, boating, taking cruises, reading, and creating colored pencil drawings. Stu had been active in running and biking in his younger years as well. His intelligence, honesty, and ethical principles guided Stu throughout his life. He will be remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who will be dearly missed.
On September 7, 1963, in Two Rivers, WI, Stu married Jerrie Ann Jirikowic, who survives, along with their children: Kim (Steve Polcyn) Walesh of San Jose, CA, Eric (Jill) Walesh of Overland Park, KS, and Jill (Doug) Walls of Valparaiso, IN; grandchildren: Katie Walesh, Jenna Walesh, Evan (fiancée, Hannah Swivel) Walls, and Colin Walls; and brother, Sid Walesh.
In honoring Stu’s wishes, no services will be held. The public is invited to attend a reception at The Village Gallery at Pines Village on December 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., which will showcase Stu’s artwork.
Stu’s family would like to extend special thanks to everyone at Pines Village for the love and support they have received, and to VNA Hospice for the compassionate care they showed to Stu.
Memorial donations may be made in Stu’s name to Pines Village Retirement Communities, 3303 Pines Village Circle, Valparaiso, IN 46383, or VNA Hospice, 501 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383.
GUESTBOOK
Oh Stu...there are no words for how very special you were to my family. Your kindness and true curiosity in Noah's life was so wonderful. And you always tried to make our girls feel included, even when getting an answer out of them was impossible. I've known and loved you for 40 years, known first as Jill's Dad, then Dougie's Father in law. Only to then become my amazing nephew's grandfather and then Grandpa Stu to my children, also. I'll forever remember the first time Noah called you this and you didn't correct him, only smiled and included him from there on out. I will be forever grateful for your wisdom, your questions, your faith in me, and your love. Thank you for being My Family. -Cori Wronko
My dear Stu, How I loved your stories, your humor and laughter! It was always a pleasure to visit with you and Jerrie when you were in San Jose visiting your daughter, Kim. And, of course, your Manhattans! WoW! My dear friend Kim is a testament to the person you were - you and Jerrie did a fantastic job creating this beautiful soul. I raise a Manhattan to you, Stu, and will always be grateful for the moments we spent together. Rest in peace. -Yvonne Vanderbrugge
Stu was a long time Member of the Calumet Chapter of the Indiana Society of Professional Engineers. He was an ISPE Fellow, a Diplomate Water Resources Engineer (American Academy of Water Resources Engineers) and the 2007 recipient of the National Society of Professional Engineers Distinguished Service Award. He served on the Indiana State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. Throughout a long career in Civil Engineering, with private practice firms, as a faculty member, and then as a consultant, Stu authored multiple books that addressed the role of the Professional Engineer in society, although his textbook, Urban Surface Water Management (1989), was a fundamental source on the topic. His recurring column in the Indiana Professional Engineer Journal, “The Soft Side of Engineering,” was a regular article for over 30 years of publication. He often presented at the NSPE-IN State Convention. He maintained a website, “HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com.” His dedication to life-long learning is a model for all of us. I was truly fortunate to know him and I will miss Stu. -Michael Fink, P.E. ISPE President 2004-05
