Walter G. Vonnegut

Walter Goodall Vonnegut

88, passed away July 10, 2014, at Marquette. He was a life-long resident of Indianapolis. He was born October 2, 1925, to Ralph Clemens and Eleanor Goodall Vonnegut. He attended IPS #66, Park School, Elgin Academy and graduated from Shortridge High School (Class of 1944). He attended Indiana University and Butler University where he met his wife of 50 years, Phyllis J. Maish of Frankfort, IN.

Walter was a 25-year employee of Vonnegut Hardware Company and continued on as a hardware sales rep for an additional 45 years. His customers became friends over the years as he faithfully served them all over the State of Indiana. He regretted it greatly when he was forced to retire in his 80's.

He was a lifetime member of Tabernacle Presbyterian Church where he served as deacon, elder, coach in the youth recreation program, soup kitchen server, and tutor/mentor in the after school program. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, Woodstock Club, Players Club of Indianapolis, Contemporary Club, The Ovid Butler Society, Day Sailor Association and Antiquarian and Historical Society of Culver. His love for sailing began at Lake Maxinkuckee where he summered all of his life. He sailed all five Great Lakes with his sailing buddies over a period of 25 years.

Walter loved being with old friends and meeting new friends during the 16 months he lived at Marquette Manor. He looked forward to his weekly breakfasts, lunches, Bible study and outings with his many friends. He enjoyed attending Butler Men's basketball games, the symphony, the Red Barn Theater and participating in the lives of his treasured grandchildren. He will especially be remembered for chauffeuring friends around town until his daughters took away his keys. But most of all he will be remembered for the many greeting cards he sent over the years!

He was pre-deceased by his parents, wife, and his younger brother, Ralph Clemens Vonnegut, Jr. He is survived by three daughters Betsy Brubeck (Bill) of Newburgh, IN, Mary Sue McDonald (Glenn) of Zionsville, IN and Ginny Hahn (Greg) of Carmel, IN. He will be missed by his ten grandchildren Matt (Kari) Brubeck, Chris Brubeck, Jonathan Brubeck, Mark (Jennifer) McDonald, Katy Parker (John), Jeff McDonald (Christina), Tyler McDonald, Max Hahn, Elly Hahn and Kate Hahn as well as great grandsons Nico and Marco McDonald. He is also survived by nephews Bob and Dan Vonnegut and nieces Nonie Vonnegut-Gabovitch and Kristin Vonnegut.

Family and friends will gather on Tuesday July 15th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel (740 East 86th Street, Indianapolis), with a Celebration of Life Service at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church (418 East 34th Street, Indianapolis) on Wednesday July 16th at 11:00 a.m. The family invites you to join them in the church parlor following the service for food and fellowship.

You are invited to visit http://www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of Walter, sign the guest book or arrange for a memorial gift to Tabernacle Presbyterian Church or Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Council, P.O. Box 187, Culver, IN 46511.