Rev. Walter Szczypula
Father Wally, as he was affectionately known, was one of eight children born to St. Louis and Magdeline Szczypula on September 22, 1916. He was born and raised in Chicago where he attended Five Holy Martyrs grammar school. He went on to Quigley Preparatory Seminary and then to St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundeline, Illinois where he was ordained a priest on May 1, 1943. Over the years, he became involved in many organizations, but he was especially proud to serve as chaplain of the International Polka Association. Because of his pride in his Polish heritage and his love for Polka music, the International Polka Association was very close to his heart. Polka music was always part of the Szczypula household.