We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Leo Thomas Valko, age 82, of Roscommon, Michigan. Leo passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022.
Leo was born February 14, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Julius and Marie (Coughlin) Valko. He married Sandra Evans on January 25, 1964, in Clawson, Michigan. They had a beautiful marriage for nearly 59 years.
Leo was a beloved member of the Roscommon community for over five decades and was well-known as the Postmaster for over 20 years. His keen memory and genuine interest in others allowed him to quickly learn the names and faces of everyone he met – a trait that was quite valuable for the youngest Postmaster in the state of Michigan. He was a very personable man who regularly sought ways to connect with others. That, combined with his contagious smile, quick wit, and strong handshake made it easy for him to win over the admiration of everyone in town. If you met him, you loved him.
He was a captivating storyteller and enthusiastically shared tales of his favorite pastimes: hunting and fishing with family and friends and enjoying the outdoors at his Ausable River home and his cottage in the Les Cheneaux Islands on Lake Huron.
Leo was a tremendous athlete in his youth and continued to nurture that hobby throughout his life by participating in everything from beach volleyball to softball to golf. He was a very involved father and grandfather and avidly supported all of his children and grandchildren. He was their biggest fan and attended every game and event with a proud twinkle in his eye. He was also an active member of Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus.
Leo could truly do whatever he set his mind to. He even resourcefully built the Valkos’ first family home in Roscommon from scratch, skillfully carving the trees from the forest into a hand-made log home. He would do anything for his family; he was very proud of the legacy he created.
Leo will be dearly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy; children: Kimberly (Art) Sigman, Thomas (Dawn) Valko, Timothy (Teresa) Valko, Jennifer (Dennis) Wagner; grandchildren: Travis (Ashley) Sigman, Trevor (Tori) Sigman, Brett (fiancé, Chelsea) Sigman, Brianna (Jarrod) Alford, Madison (fiancé, Andrew) Valko, Devan (fiancé, Josh) Valko, Peyton Valko, Deighan Valko, Hannah Wagner, Emma Wagner, Jillian Wagner; great-grandchildren: Tristan Sigman, Thea Sigman, Rosie Alford; sister: Marie Lydick; sister-in-law: Carol Valko; brother-in-law: William Evans; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Marie Valko; brothers: Daniel (Marie) Valko, James Valko, Frank (Patricia) Valko; brother-in-law: Art Lydick; and sisters-in-law: Patricia Box and Pamela Evans.
Family and friends will gather from 1:00-4:00 PM, on Friday, December 16, 2022, at Wagner and Walsh Funeral Home: 143 Lake Street, Roscommon, Michigan 48653. The Memorial Service will begin at 4:00 PM.
The family asks memorial contributions be made in Leo’s name to Roscommon Area Public Schools – Athletic Scholarship Fund, as he worked the “chain gang” for football games and coached many children throughout his life.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Home, Roscommon.
