Walter R. Osterkorn

Walter Osterkorn Obituary

Osterkorn, Walter R.
was born July 6 1928 in Chicago. He went to meet his maker on January 11, 2012. Wally grew up and attended school in ChicagO where he first started playing basketball at the age of 6. After high school he went to University of Illinois where he was a scoring leader, and graduated in 1950. That summer an appealing job presented itself when the Harlem Globetrotters owner Abe Saperstein invited Wally to play on the Washington Generals, a team assembled to play against the Trotters. They traveled all over the world. He then was drafted by the NBA team Syracuse Nationals. He played 5 years and they won a Championship in 1955. He was known as "OX". He got hurt so his NBA career came to a halt. He then came west as he always wanted to do and started working for Encyclopaedia Britannica in Phoenix. He became the Division Salesman of the year 5 times, then District Manager of the month 3 times, and on to Division Manager of the month along with other numerous awards. After 20 years he then went back to school at ASU and got his Masters Degree in Counseling. He went to work at Camelback Psychiatric Hospital as a volunteer and was certified as a Psychodrama Assistant. In 1991 he and his wife started a business making and selling southwestern items, after 18 years they closed the business and he truly retired. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol, his sister Marylyn Ahlfeld of Chicago, 4 daughters, Feline Johnston and Lynx Osterkorn of Riverton, Wy., Candis Ross of California and Laura Wilson of Phoenix, 2 sons, John Osterkorn of Tucson and Randy Osterkorn. He has 11 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. A special thanks to the Angels of Infinity of Hospice, and Life Care Centers of Scottsdale for their love and care in taking care of Wally.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jan. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Osterkorn

13 Entries

Carol

February 1, 2012

To my dearest darling husband, I miss you so much. We had such a wonderful life. You took me so many places and we had such a good time every place we went. You took me to Europe and we also took a cruise, and we traveled all over the southwest. It was wonderful, no one can ever take your place. You never missed a morning telling me how pretty I was and how much you loved me. In fact you told me several times during the day. I love your family and they are a great comfort to me, if they are not calling they are sending me emails. You sister also shares pictures about you and your family on facebook. You were such a great influence in my life, because you were such an upbeat person, you made everything look good and taught me to see the goodness in everybody. It's very lonely without you. I walk through the house and talk to you all day. Macaroni missed you still. She will go into your room and grab one of your shirts and just carry it around all day. All I have to say is were's Papa, and she runs around looking for you. I watch movies most everynight and I sit where you used to just because it makes me feel closer to you. I think of you and I think that probably you have a pick up game going, a little one on one, I can see you now going to the basket, and dunking it. I'll write you again. All my love for ever and ever.

Marylyn Ahlfeld

January 31, 2012

I simply can't go into February thinking that you are in the arms of the Lord. We miss you and I keep looking at various photos of you dear Wally. Eternal Rest grant until you dear brother.

Christine Bain

January 26, 2012

Dear Carol,
It was an honor to get to know you, Wally, and of course, Macaroni. I wish I had the chance to know Wally before he became so ill. I think of you both often, and I hope you are doing ok. I know it is a challenge for you now. We are always here for you, only a phone call away.

Jay LaFountaine

January 20, 2012

Thank you Wally, for the years of entertaining fans with your athletic abilities. Your memory will live on always with those who love you. Your legend lives on with your fans.

www.saltcitycagers.com

Vince Jones

January 16, 2012

Nana, just like always you are in my prayers, Wally was a great great man and I am lucky and proud to have and will always call him grandfather.

Vince Jones

January 16, 2012

Nana, just like always you are in my prayers, Wally was a great great man and I am lucky and proud to have and will always call him grandfather.

Heather Pratt

January 15, 2012

I met Wally through my long lost friend Laura, Wally's daughter. Laura and I were best friends in high school, and Wally was such a great dad to Laura and her brothers. I did meet Carol years ago, and I remember how happy of a couple they were. Laura, if you read this, you were there when my dad died of cancer, and if you need a friend, I'm here. Heather Pratt (formally, Heather Hartson). Scottsdale, AZ.

Tommy Ahlfeld

January 15, 2012

Unc I will miss you so much. You helped me in life and taught me how to be acceptiing. I will never remember you calling me your manager and agent you were my manager and agent in life. I am sure Uncle Eddy is now telling you one of his stories he told us 5 times a week but I am glad you are with your friend in heavan. I am sure St. Pete gave you a basketball and said make a freethrow and you shall enter and you swished it all net. You were the one most important man in my life and I am proud that you are my Uncle . Say hi to my father tell him I have been good I will see you in heaven and we will remeber our past together. Although you are gone from life you live in my heart and all I learned I promise I will remember and practice daily. God Bless you and Carol I am so sorry you lost such a good man.

Marylyn Ahlfeld

January 15, 2012

Dearest Carol and family, I wrote a message but somehow it wasn't posted. My brother, Wally, was a very loving son, father and grandpa and husband to you for 38 years. He always was a popular guy and could build just about anything. Traveling throughout Arizona with both of you on my trips was so memorable. He was very patient and loved to stop and let me take photos with no complaint. He loved singing and we would drive and sing every song we could remember. Lots of happy memories and good times. He was complimented in the papers as a Prep Sensation when he played at Amundsen High in Chicago. In Basketball I was his biggest fan. I will never forget how proud I was when he played at the old Chicago Stadium with the Illini team. I think the reason he had such a good hook shot was that he broke his arm when he was 10 and it wasn't set right. It helped his scores. Well, now he is up in heaven having a reunion with our parents and Carol's and lots more. He is at peace and will always have his arms around you, Carol. All my love, Sis

Patsy Blackham

January 15, 2012

Carol, I know that this is a hard time and you will miss him a lot. Please know I am here if you need me and that I love you.

Danny Ahlfeld

January 15, 2012

My Uncle Wally was the coolest guy around. My friend Joey Fraser told me yesterday that Wally was the first guy he'd seen who was larger then life, and he was. I remember picking him up at the airport when he came back home to Chicago for a visit or a trip, everyone would stop and look at him as he walked from the plane. He dressed great, and you knew he was someone who was a professional basketball player. His energy was passed to me, and I can feel that feeling as I write.

I am so sorry for us all with Wally's passing. He left his mark on this world, and I am sure he's at peace in the next world with Jesus doing what needs to be done.

God Bless.

Jim Marshall

January 15, 2012

A friend in need is a friend indeed. That was Wally. In some ways he was bigger than life. He will be missed by all of us who loved him. But he's off to bigger and better things.

Marylyn Osterkorn/Ahlfeld

January 15, 2012

My darling Carol, you and my dearest brother, Wally were so devoted to one another for 38 years. My family and I send you our heartfelt condolences and pray that God continues to give you the strength that has brought you thru Wally's illness. He is at peace. I loved being with you and Wally so often. Wally will always have his arms around you. I am so sorry for his loss and to all the family I send my love.

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