Walter Edward Binder Jr.

Walter Edward Binder, Jr, 87, of Rockford, formerly of Stickney, IL passed away on April 27, 2025.

Wally was born on April 8, 1938 in Oak Park, IL. He graduated from Fenwick High School in 1956. He was a founding member of the Stickney Fire Department and served as Deputy Fire Chief for many years, as well as running a newspaper distribution business for the Chicago Sun-Times from his home in Stickney.

Wally’s love for the game of baseball was surpassed only by his love for his family and friends. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, he possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of the sport and always impressed his friends with statistics, strategy, and history of the game he loved. Wally played ball at the minor league professional level for the Milwaukee Braves (now Milwaukee Brewers) organization. He was an active coach for many of his four sons’ baseball teams and enjoyed being around the game in any way possible. Affectionately known to many as ‘Wally Ball’ his prayers were answered in 2016 when his beloved Cubs won the World Series.

Gregarious in his nature, Wally never met a stranger and possessed a magnetic personality. He spent many hours at Berwyn Bowl, bowling with friends and family. He was famous for always having an open heart as well as an open garage where he would regularly hold court for the neighbors and friends who were frequent visitors. He was also a man of great faith, who later in life read his bible each day taking great comfort in the word of the Lord.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth Barbara Binder, (nee Weber), his six children Kevin (Wendy) Binder, Kenneth (Suzie) Binder, Kimberly (Kevin) Johnson, Matthew (Linda) Binder, Jill (Steve) Lucas and Mark (Kim) Binder, his grandchildren Michael Binder, Jennifer Binder, Danielle (John) Pirone, Kelsey (Taylor Jasin) Shanks, Nicholas (Savannah) Binder, Kayla Shanks, Anthony Binder, Megan (Riley) Binder, Riley Stonitsch, Patrick Lucas, Courtney Lucas, Gianna Binder, Kyzer "Tiger" Russell, Ruth Binder and his great-grandchildren Sandra Binder, Madison Binder, Sean Binder, James Binder, Ethan Binder, Addison Binder, Sawyer Jasin, Eddie Mallas, Evelyn Mallas, Zane Pirone, Elijah Pirone, Hudson Jasin and Palmer Jasin and sister Arden Ann Binder (deceased).