GENEVA - Walter Alexander, 79, died peacefully at his home in Geneva, IL on Friday, June 20th in the loving embrace of his family. Born in Aurora, IL on January 5, 1935, Walter was the eldest son of John and Berniece (Hill) Alexander. Walter was educated at Phillips Academy, Andover, MA and Yale University, where he received a bachelor degree in Economics. Walt, as he was known to his friends, was widely respected for his integrity and intelligence in both his personal and professional life. Until recently, Walter was President of Alexander Lumber Company, a position he held for 45 years. The third generation Alexander to hold this office, he learned the lumber business from the ground up, working summers in company lumber yards. After his graduation and two years of military service, Walt returned to the company serving as manager in several different yards and as a district manager before assuming the office of President in 1966. Walt was known for his unsurpassed work ethic and his commitment to the welfare of his employees. In addition to his long career at the Lumber Company, Walter served on the boards of local and national organizations, including the Old Second Bancorp, Ideal Industries, Inc., Wausau Paper Corporation and Masonite Corporation, a company founded by his family. He also served as chairman of the board of Aurora University and Delnor Hospital. Walter leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Karen Bisgard Alexander; four children, Blair Alexander of Carpentersville, Eliza Cummings of Kentfield, CA, Watt Alexander of Norwich, VT, and Martha Alexander of Shoreham, VT; three brothers, John Alexander of Sheffield, MA, Thomas Alexander of Sugar Grove, Duncan Alexander of Geneva; and eleven grandchildren, each of whom gave him great joy. A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Thursday, June 26th at the Congregational Church of Batavia. Gifts in his honor may be made to Cadence Health Foundation, Delnor Hospital. To leave an online condolence or remembrance to the family, visit the funeral homes' obituary page at www.yursfuneralhomes.com. For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva, 630-232-7337.

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Published by Daily Herald on Jun. 24, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for WALTER ALEXANDER

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22 Entries

Rodney Bryant

June 29, 2014

I will always be grateful to the Alexander family for giving me my fist real job. He will be missed by many. My prayer go out to the family.

Steve Deppe

June 28, 2014

I had the privilege to work with Walter for over 10 years on the Delnor BOD. He was once asked to describe the responsibilities of a board member. I will never forget is simple and insightful response, "Keep your head in and your hands out". We will miss you Walter.

Steve Deppe

S. Hill

June 27, 2014

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family at this difficult time. Please find peace in knowing that God understands your grief and that He cares. (1Peter 5:6,7)

Diana and Stu Kaufman

June 26, 2014

Dear Duncan, so sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts are with you and your family.
Diana and Stu Kaufman

June 26, 2014

I have been an Alexander Lumber employee for 28 years. 25 years ago, when my son was born prematurely, Walter called me and told me to go take care of my family, and not worry about my job, "it will be here when you get back." I has been my good fortune to work for a company that is run by such a fine man. He always treated me like his equal. My sincere condolences to the Alexander family, he was a man with strong character and insight. Walter will be missed.
Rob Andrews
Crystal Lake yard

Michael France

June 26, 2014

So sorry for your loss, Walter was a great leader and will be missed!
Michael France

Al Brady

June 26, 2014

Alexander family, you have our deepest sympathy. It was a blessing to work for Walter and Alexander Lumber for many years. Walter was a man of integrity and really cared about his employees and will be missed.

June 25, 2014

Dear Karen, The memories of Walter are of a warm and vibrant
man at your side. Please accept my sincerest condolences to you and your family.
jackie Haffenberg

Dan Scott

June 25, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. Walter was a wise leader, great mentor and a kind man. He will be missed so much.

Richard Wagner

June 25, 2014

Karen and Family I was so sorry to read of Walter's passing. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with him for many years.

June 25, 2014

Cherish your memories! God will open His hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16

June 25, 2014

so sorry for your loss, i have worked for alexander lumber in geneseo since 1990, my first experience meeting walter was at the 100th year anniversary they had in st. charles i thought how wonderful that a company would invite the past employees and a new employee to spend the weekend, that is where i first meet him. he was very down to earth, the company has changed but walter did not in his thoughts, his company was still a family, so from my family to yours my condolences and my your wonderful memories of walter comfort you.
kerry lester(geneseo yard)

June 25, 2014

KAREN, I AM SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT WALT. MY "LONG-AGO" MEMORIES FROM OUR SCHOOL YEARS WERE OF SUCH A LOVELY MAN.MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. FONDLY, KATHERINE SOMERVILLE STEELE

Shirley

June 25, 2014

My condolences for your loss. I had the pleasure of briefly working with Walter while he served on the board at Old Second. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

June 24, 2014

Walter and Family will be in our prays,May God be with you all,He was a great Guy to work for, He will be miss by all that knew Him. Duane A. Wells
Alexander Lumber Co. of Bloomington,IL
and of Heyworth yard.

R.P

June 24, 2014

TO ALEXANDER FAMILY WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN THE WORDS FOUND AT HOSEA13:13

Jack Cunningham

June 23, 2014

My prayers are with you at this time of great loss. What a wonderful person.

June 23, 2014

;Hi I'm Alyce Konen and I worked at the office with Walter for 19 years. I really enjoyed stopping by his office and disturbing him. He was very special in the way he treated those that worked for him. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

Rich Ruffalo

June 23, 2014

So sorry to hear of Walter's passing. thoughts and prayers are with your family

David Anderson

June 23, 2014

Karen and family,
You have my sympathy with the loss of Walter. I will always remember and respect our time together serving on the boards of Delnor.
Peace
Dave Anderson

June 23, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that you are able to seek comfort from family and friends. Most of all may you find comfort in God's Word. 1 Cor 1:3,4
YP, Chicago

Lynn

June 23, 2014

Please accept our condolences.May the comfort only God can supply be with the family during this difficult time.

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