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WALTER BUCHMANN Obituary

Walter Buchmann, "Walt," 70, of Wilmette, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep October 7, 2010. He is survived by his devoted wife and companion of 46 years, Anna Marie Buchmann. He was a confidant, mentor, and very dear friend to each of his children and their spouses, Tamara Wyse (Joseph), the late Laura Gasho (James), and Mark Buchmann (Melissa), and to his sister Marykay Verzatt. He adored and was adored by his seven grandchildren, who knew him as "Papa" or "Pops"-he could always be counted on to make them laugh with his irreverent sense of humor, teach them about the world, and have fun, even if it meant breaking a few rules. Whether it was a backyard water fight, making brownies with excessive icing, trips to the museums, or hosting before-school breakfast for their buddies, Papa was a much-loved playmate for the grandkids. Walt will also be deeply missed by his many good friends. He was close to so very many who counted on him as a most trusted and wise friend who always cared and listened, providing thoughtful and compassionate advice when needed. He was always there for a friend in need, especially in times of illness. He had a love of knowledge, literature, classical music, the arts, his country, nature, writing, world travel, basketball, cycling, children, chocolate, and red wine. He read voraciously and his opinion on many topics was valued by friends and family. Walt was an educator for most of his life. Among his many professional accomplishments, he was one of the leaders in creating non-traditional education resources including 'The University without Walls' and 'The Community Colleges of the Air Force'; in addition he aided in the formation of 'Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare'. Most of all, he loved his family and close friends. He will long be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him as an exceptionally bright, warm, and wonderfully unique person. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in Walter's name to the Northbrook Public Library "Friends of the Library" fund.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Oct. 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for WALTER BUCHMANN

Sponsored by Jerilyn Miripol, a student of UWW.

17 Entries

Bill Charland

May 16, 2023

Walt was a dear friend and great colleague as we ran two of the first, highly innovative, University Without Walls programs. Through good times and bad, he was always there for me and we had lots of fun working together. I'll miss him always.

Kathy VanMaren

September 12, 2011

Hello, I believe I am a relative. I am Kathleen Ida Buchmann and my married name is VanMaren. I have been trying to make contact with this branch of my dad's side of the family. Can someone please call me at 847-227-8770? My condolences to you all on the passing of Walter Buchmann

February 15, 2011

How can we play it forward to other people what Walter Buchnmann did for us during his life? I can almost hear his words..."this thing has happened...you are sad...now what are you going to do with the rest of your life?"

February 11, 2011

M tells me/us that Walter was a special friend to so many people and a great teacher to everyone he knew. We all miss him so much...ellie

February 6, 2011

I still cry when I remember he is no longer a phone call away. The world seems different now. It saddens me greatly that I did not get a chance to say goodbye...farewell...my dear friend. He was my best friend, cheer leader, mentor, and advisor. I first met him as a student at a community college. He encouraged me to obtain several degrees. He inspired me to never to quit. I was truly blessed to have known Walter Buchmann. Thank you Anna Marie...I have appreciated your kindness through the years. I hope all is well.

Jerillyn Miripol

February 4, 2011

For Walter's wife and family,

Love, jerilyn

ellie greenberg

February 2, 2011

Jerilyn's message is wonderful. What a positive impact Walter had on her ...and so many others'...life. He was a true teacher...always challenging and supporting just enough to push learning forward...He was still doing this with his friends and family every day when he died so suddenly. I miss him so much! Elie Greenberg

Jerilyn Miripol

February 1, 2011

My life was literally saved when I met Walter Buchman who worked with me throughout my education at The University Without Walls. I flourished under his care. I was disabled with a serious bipolar disorder and depersonalization which damaged my ability to receive a degree in a traditional university program. Because of Walter's genius, I, now, have intellectually and emotionally developed since he helped me. At the time,he suggested that I enter psychotherapy--which also saved my life. Since I have been working with a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist, my illness is stabilized. I am now a writing-therapist, a published poet and short-story writer. I have just sent my manuscript, "Writing Therapy: expressing the psyche through creative writing and bibliotherapy" to an agent, being both memoir and self-help. I have a office at St. Francis Hospital where the psychotherapists at the Mental Health Facility recommend their out-patients to my class (over twenty years, now). I also work with a schizophrenic client who lives in a psychiatric facility in Evanston, as well. I teach once a week in the evening at Oakton Community College's Alliance for Lifelong Learning; I was a Fellow at The Ragdale Foundation, a well-known writers' colony which was the former summer home of Alice Ryerson-Hayes. The late writer, Saul Bellow, was on my Selection Committee.
I was accepted to four writing workshops and received a full-tuition scholarship at The Squaw Valley Community of Writers in Olympic Valley, California. I am alive, and able to function and succeed because of Walter' tutoring. Jerilyn Miripol. I will forget him and his goodness.

November 11, 2010

I thought about Walter when I was in Africa this month....he would have loved the politics and animals in the wild.... ellie in Colorado

Katrina Gambol Stoltz

November 10, 2010

Uncle Walt held on to my hands and spun me around in circles in Grandpa Gambol's front yard. The memories are cherished.

Shawna Gambol Woodard

November 9, 2010

I remember dancing with Uncle Walt at Aunt Midge's wedding. I stood on his feet and we robotically moved around the dance floor. He was a jokester and I remember laughing with him. Why did he like cherry ice cream? Yuk!

Ralph Danielsen

October 23, 2010

I can't get out of the gray. I was 2000 miles away for 23 days. When I left, life was in balance. There was a guy who knew and understood me in those things which were most important to me; and I'm the kinda guy who hangs around the top of my " Important" list obsessively. No words spoken, he was lockstep with me. Life is short - why waste time with lettuce when there's chocolate.
I returned home to find I'd missed his final departure, and the celebration. Lucky for this obit, and the chance to respond. Maybe I can start to chip away at the gray. But you all know the list, certainly parts: grandkids/family, erudite vigil on the state of mankind, extensive "dusty shoe" discovery treks, the sliver of culture still enlightening, gastronomy fit for a peasant, sports (for your bones, not your eyes).
He knew me. Grab some grandkids - let's meet at Dave's. Life is worth so much more through the eyes of the grandkids. The incurable itinerant lives to travel; nay... travels to live. One can see (and learn) far more on a shoestring than ever possible on the splurge. We are government; we hold the leash, keep it short.
Life really is simple after all. Certainly a life well-lived; and Walt, if anybody - that was you. Someone said that you were best friend to so many. No surprise, so many were best friend to you. Everyone you met was of such high value to you. For such a learned one, you barely gave your opinion; you were so busy getting ours. So attentive to everything about us; so generous of your time and talents. It was as if you were the sum total of everyone you met, and did you meet many! What a life! And I'm so pleased to have been a small part of it, and that you were a part of mine, and my family's.
There's a hole in my orbit. Maybe in time I can patch over it, make it less noticable. It'll never go away, I know that.
So, Walter Buchmann - salute. The cheers are all ours.
RND

Nancy Picard

October 22, 2010

Anna Marie,
Julie, the kids and I were so saddened to hear of your loss. We enjoyed the stories you shared at work about Walt, and admired your courage to travel the globe with your family (something we aspire to do). Please accept our condolences.

Jeff Danielsen

October 21, 2010

Our family is deeply saddened to lose our dear friend, Walt. My father and I both met Walt around 25 years ago on the basketball court at the Winnetka Community House. Nobody has set a better screen and shoot on that court since Walt hung up his sneakers. Walt still has many friends playing in that gym and we will miss him. Long after both my father and Walt's playing days were over, they remained close friends, sharing a passion for travel, grandkids, and Dave's Italian Kitchen. For myself, Walt and Anna Marie have always taken a great interest in my life and the life of my family. Our paths regularly intersected at dance recitals, school events and of course, the annual Buchmann Thanksgiving Leftover party at their home. We are all deeply saddened and want to send along our thoughts and prayers for Anna Marie and the rest of Walt's family.

October 18, 2010

Anna Marie,

I was so saddened to learn of Walt's death. Unfortunately I know exactly how you feel. Tom thought so much of you and valued your friendship. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. I am sure that Tom & Walt are "networking" together.

Margaret Kenny

M. Buchmann

October 18, 2010

He was my most trusted friend, confidant, and advisor. One who could be depended upon, at a moment’s notice, to be there in both good and bad. His love for my mother and their children (Tamara, Laura, Jim, Joe, Melissa, and I) was only superseded by that of his love for his grandchildren. Whom he cherished beyond anything else. There is nothing he wouldn’t have done for his family.
Second to his family was his lifelong friends. He loved each as a brother or sister and was there through thick and thin. He was a trusted confidant who never breached a trust asked of him; and dutifully did whatever was asked.
He was loved by many, and appreciated by even more. I am touch by how many people have told me he was their best friend. An honor so few of us ever achieve with but one or two people; let alone so many.
He loved wine, especially when it was good and he didn’t pay. He loved cheese, fruit, and great conversation with those he shared them with. But nothing would please him more than a great piece of dark chocolate.
He was so intelligent, inquisitive, decisive, and possessed a great sense of humor. And his ‘family motto’ “people are …” shall never be forgotten.
Most of all he was the Man I have always aspired to be. And I will continue to do so, for what better role model than someone who was the glue to so many.
He will be missed.

October 17, 2010

Walter was my dear friend. We talked to each other at least 25 times a day via email. we argued, disagreed, and and loved our country and the world in which we live. It pained Walter to see our political system over run by corruption and dishonesty and incompetence. It pained me too, but I kept on working for a better tomorrow.
Walter and I met in the 1970s when we were both Directors of University Without Walls programs. We lost track of each other until a mutual friend re-introduced us...about 7/8 years ago. We enjoyed each other so much and made a lunch date whenever I was in Chicago. I was guest at Walter and Anna Marie's home last Memorial Day when I was in Chicago for a wedding. We had wonderful hours, talks and meals together. My own dear husband died in China in August 2009.....and I am full of pain, sadness and loss for both of these remarkable men who I loved so very much. Ellie Greenberg in Colorado

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