Walter J. Jatoft

Walter J. Jatoft Battle Creek Walter Joseph Jatoft, 94, of Battle Creek, died Saturday, January 9, 2010 in East Lansing. He was born March 27, 1915, the son of Bronislaw and Sophie (Girdzewicz) Jatoft in New York City, New York. Walter served in the U. S. Army during World War II. He served as a Ranger, based at Fort Custer. He was injured and was sent to Percy Jones Hospital to recover. While there he played his violin and was heard by a brigadier general who put him in special services. When he left the Army in 1948 he joined both the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo symphony orchestras. "The Patriarch" played for the Battle Creek Symphony for over 58 years, retiring before the 2007-08 season. He was the Concert Master for two years and the Assistant Concert Master for 42 years. Walter received his degree in Accounting from the University of Michigan and worked as an accountant in Battle Creek for over 40 years. Walter was preceded in death by his first wife of 40 years, Genevieve in 2001 and his second wife, Barbara, in 1992 and his parents. He is survived by his children, Jeanette Jatoft of Concord, California, Irene (Steve) McKinley of DeWitt, John (Cheri) Jatoft of Walnut Creek, California, Michael (Ann) Jatoft of Plantation, Florida; and; stepchildren, Connie Emmons of Sevierville, Tennessee, Bruce (Diane) Rizor of Traverse City, Sharie Falon and Julie (Tim) Chaney; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Professionally, Walter was a member of the Independent Accountants Association of Michigan, the National Society of Public Accountants and the Musicians Union. He was a former member of the Battle Creek Country Club. He loved to travel, work in his garden, landscaping and performing with the symphony at various functions. Walter's love of music, life and enthusiasm for living touched family, friends and all who knew him. In his later 80's and 90's Walter enjoyed family reunions on several Caribbean Cruises, a trip to Poland, skydiving in California with his grandson, Johnny and anything that brought all the family together. The family will receive friends from 2 until 4:00 p.m. and 6 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at Shaw Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 14, 2010 at the funeral home with Rev. Fr. Robert Creagan, St. Joseph Catholic Church, officiating. Interment with military honors at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may go to the Battle Creek Symphony or Good Samaritan Hospice Care. The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home. www.shawfuneralhome.com