Waldemar E. "Wally" Goffeney

Waldemar E. " Wally" Goffeney

Waldemar E. "Wally" Goffeney died April 15, 2021 of natural causes, at the age of 92.

Born in South Bend Indiana, Wally graduated from Purdue University with a degree in chemistry. After spending the Korean War billeted in Germany, which was fortunate, he moved to Detroit, where he met the love of his life, Marylou, whom he married. This was very fortunate, and appreciated by his three children, four grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

Wally loved woodworking, small-boat sailing, and technology. He once remarked that his woodworking hobby was simply an excuse to indulge his real passion - buying new tools. In truth, he was a craftsman who created beautiful furniture, cabinets, mantels, and molding.

He was an early owner of the Apple II computer, teaching himself programming and creating one of the world's first word processing programs, "Wally Writer" This was an unparalleled success, garnering 100% of its target market, which was Wally.

Wally was preceded in death by his wife Marylou, his parents, and three brothers. He leaves behind his children, Susan Sirgany (Paul), Robert Goffeney (Robertta), and Nancy Glover (Mike); four grandchildren, Martin Goffeney (Kellie Sharp), Katherine Goffeney, Charlie Glover, and Max Glover; great-granddaughter, Penelope Goffeney-Sharp; and his extended family, Ross and Jane Parpart and their children Alexandra, Ethan, and Sydney.

Wally was a keen observer of the world, an avid devourer of news produced by real journalists, and a loyal, often disappointed, but never surprised fan of Detroit sports teams (looking at you, Lions).

He lived independently until the moment of his death, caring for his home, garden, and yard. He was surrounded by friends and family, sometimes virtually via Zoom, and then in person once again as everyone became vaccinated against COVID-19.

Wally wished to be cremated, and his ashes reunited with those of his wife Marylou in beautiful, bucolic Michigan. The family plans a small remembrance get-together, some time later in the year.

For friends and family who would like to memorialize Wally, please consider supporting two things he truly loved: the Bloomfield Township Public Library (https://btpl.org) and The Henry Ford (https://www.thehenryford.org).