Photo courtesy of MacAlpine Funeral Home, Inc. - Mac Chapel - Bad Axe
Jan 11, 1964 - Sep 12, 2025
Deb and family we are very sorry for the loss of your husband and dad Wally. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
Jim and Lu (Kubacki) Zellar
September 30, 2025 | Gulliver, MI
Wally was a Great guy, I worked at Active with him & we would play Racquetball in the morning after work. Always enjoyed his sense of humor, Prayers to Wally's Family..
Bernie Champagne
September 28, 2025 | Elkton, MI
My deepest sympathy to you Deb and your family. I got to know Wally from work.Over the years of sharing our stories about growing up on the farm made conversation easy.But that was one of Wally's great qualities, making everyone he spoke with at ease.He will truly be missed. May God's love comfort you and your family thur this loss.
deborah a gundlach
September 16, 2025 | Bad Axe, MI | Friend
My Deepest Sympathies to Debra and family. Also my condolences to you and Judy have to deal with such losses in such close proximity. Peace be with all of you!!
Ken Gorney
September 16, 2025 | Charlevoix, MI | Friend
Deb, I only met you a couple of times but you were always nice and friendly to me. I graduated with Wally and he was a good classmate, always had a smile, and always friendly also. I also know his whole family pretty good. I just wanted to say that I am very so for your loss. God always takes good people, but he took Wally too early. I am so sorry for your loss, Deb.
Doris Kozlowski
September 15, 2025 | Classmate
Prayers go out to his family. Loved talking to Wally. Such a nice guy. He is loved and going to miss by many
Bev McCreedy
September 15, 2025 | Owendale, MI | Friend
Sorry for the loss. I knew him from work. A real nice guy.
Frank Robles
September 15, 2025 | Bay City, MI | Coworker
Whether attending class reunions, the Polka Fest, or simply seeing him at Tractor Supply, Wally was friendly, personable, helpful, and kind.
He always welcomed me when he saw me. He will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to his family.
Holly Iseler
September 15, 2025 | Harbor Beach, MI
Keeping you and your family in my prayers Debbie, losing your spouse is very hard.
Jean Cottick
September 15, 2025 | Bad Axe, MI | Friend
Walter (Wally) David Baranski, age 61, made the most of his time on Earth before passing away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on September 12, 2025. He spread joy to everyone he met and always offered to lend a helping hand. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Wally will be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was born on January 11, 1964 to the late Edwin and Virginia (Duda) Baranski. At North Huron Schools, Wally made sure his name was well known. He was nominated by his peers for the 1982 homecoming court, and he remained in touch with many classmates throughout the years. As a star fullback, he scored four touchdowns in a single football game on two separate occasions. He was a proud alumnus of the Institute of Agricultural Technology at Michigan State University where he continued to be a cherished athlete on the intramural basketball team.
Walter married Debra Muntz at Sacred Heart Parish on August 29, 1987. Together, they built a life of which they are both so proud.
Wally worked as a machine repair machinist overnight at Autokiniton for 40 years and maintained the 100+ year old family farm during the day alongside his brothers and son, devoting many long hours to its care. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed playing golf, slow-pitch softball, and racquetball. He took pride in the taxidermy displayed throughout his house. The whitetails, bears, and elk clearly portray his dedication to his passions. Although no fish hang on the walls of his home, many fresh meals were enjoyed.
Wally was well known for his sarcastic humor. He set a strong example for his children and grandchildren. Every memory he made with his family will be cherished forever. His family will honor his legacy and keep his spirit alive in the years to come.
Wally is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Debra Baranski, and their children Brandon (Kari) Baranski and Breann (Aaron) Darbee. Wally also leaves behind his grandchildren Colton, Ayden, Ellee, and Liam.
Also surviving are his mother-in-law Judith Muntz, siblings Richard (Brenda) Baranski, Kenneth (Jane Kubacki) Baranski, Martin (Kimberly) Baranski, Kelly (Todd) Agee, and brother-in-law Douglas (Gwen) Muntz as well as multiple nieces and nephews.
Wally was preceded in death by his parents Edwin & Virginia Baranski and his father-in-law Gerald Muntz.
To share memories and honor Wally’s life, his family will receive visitors on Wednesday, September 17 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at MacAlpine Funeral Home - Gage Chapel in Kinde where a prayer service will be offered at 6:30 pm, by Fr. Yesu Mulakaleti. Family members are invited to gather an hour prior to the public visitation. In accordance with Wally’s wishes, cremation will take place.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the PATH (Passing Along The Heritage) Foundation hunts or to support a scholarship fund which will be established in memory of Wally.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com
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