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Walter Krumbach Obituary
June 15, 1959 -
April 27, 2014
Walter George Krumbach was born on June 15, 1959 to Karl T. and Bernita C. Krumbach in Hawthorne California. Walt graduated from Hawthorne High School and entered the police academy for the El Segundo Police Department at the age of 21. He spent some 30 years at the Department, earning the rank of Lieutenant and retiring in 2010.
In 1982, he married Kathleen McIntyre after meeting her while on official police department business. They raised three beautiful children: Kent (who married Ashley Hastings in 2012 and who are blessed with a son Caden), Alaina and Karl Joseph (KJ).
After retiring from the El Segundo Police Department, Walt became Security Manager for Chevron Products Company, where he worked until his untimely death on April 27th.
He is survived by his mother, Bernita; his wife, Kate of 32 years; his children, Kent, Alaina and KJ; grandson, Caden; and his sisters, Karen Clancy and Ellen Meier. He was preceded in death by his father, Karl.
His smile and his sense of humor will be missed by his co-workers, friends and community members. His family was the center of his universe and they will never forget his dedication and his love.
The memorial service will be on Friday, May 2, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 902 South Maple Street, Inglewood, CA 90301.
A reception will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Chevron Employee Park in El Segundo.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Special Olympics of Southern California or Habitat for Humanity. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Krumbach
Ellen
April 24, 2025
We still miss you, Walt
Kelly Flowers
April 24, 2023
I can't believe it's been nine years since your passing. It is still so shocking to me because the world was a better place with you in it.
You were one of the very best in the command staff. You were always friendly, funny and down to earth. If only others could have emulated you in your position.
Rest in peace
God Bless
Ellen Meier
April 24, 2022
I will never stop missing my brother. His laugh, his warmth, his courage and his sense of humor. Rest in peace and eternal light.
Kelly Flowers
April 24, 2021
Dear Walt,
I was so sad to hear of your passing. The world was a much better place with you in it. You were one of the really good guys.
Ellen Meier
April 24, 2021
We miss him every day. He had such a wry sense of humor and an infectious giggle. Best brother ever.
John Mc Alear
January 9, 2021
April 24, 2020
Remembering the best brother ever today.
Kelly Flowers
April 24, 2019
I still can't believe you're gone. You were, truly, one of the good guys. I miss you.
Ellen Meier
April 24, 2019
Remembering our dear brother on the anniversary of his untimely death. He remains in our hearts forever.
September 22, 2018
Sorry to hear of your loss I went to school with Ellen. Edward Crowell
April 25, 2015
It has been a year, dear brother and we still miss you so much. I still hear your laugh and see you tilting back to enjoy a good story or joke.
We love you.
Ellen and Hal
DANA SALLEY - BETTS
June 5, 2014
Very sorry to hear this. I knew Walter in high school. He was such a nice person and I will always remember his smile. Sending heart felt sympathy for Walter's family.
Steve Tabor
May 26, 2014
Walt was among the first set of athletes I coached on the Hawthorne HS Track team. Yes, we shared laughs, but Walt was a hard worker and filled with character. He never lost those qualities throughout his life. His dedication to the community and his friends and family will always be remember!
Debbie Shields
May 20, 2014
Although we never had the honor of meeting Walt, our son is engaged to Aisling, and she has spoken very highly of her beloved uncle. We are so sorry to hear about his untimely death. You are all in our prayers. The Feldman-Shields Family
May 13, 2014
Dear Kathleen, I was so shocked to hear of Walts untimely passing , I have such wonderful memories of you all in LA /Dublin and Sligo , my heartfelt sympathy to you all- Your cousin Marian Mc Intyre Sligo
Ray Scheu
May 12, 2014
I knew Lt. Krumbach through my father (retired Lt. Ron Scheu ESPD). Met Walt many times, usually at the police station, and he was always a pleasure to meet and seemed to have a great sense of humor. My Dad related Walt was the utmost professional and was a very good police officer.
Karen Clancy
May 7, 2014
I have been so blessed to read your messages and condolences about Walt. He has left a huge void in our lives. I especially wanted to thank the community of El Segundo for their support when my sister, Ellen and I were making arrangements for his service. We knew he was special, and apparently, everyone else who knew him did too! As Vicar Jonas stated at the end of his homily, Walt was trying to make it back to El Segundo on Sunday. He never got there, but he did make it Home. Karen, his sister.
ELLEN mEIER
May 6, 2014
Thank you all for your thoughts, remembrances and sympathy. Walt was indeed a great guy and will be missed.
Ellen, his sister
Carol Schmitz
May 5, 2014
Dear Krumbach Family,
I only met Walt several times at his position in Chevron. I would like you to know he was a true professional in his job. He was a very special person. He will be greatly missed by his friends and business associates. I am so sorry for your loss and want you to know I am praying for strength for your family during this difficult time.
May 4, 2014
Dear Krubach family, We have known your family as part of the El Segundo community for many years now. We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Walt was such a friendly person, great family man and dedicated community leader. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Sincerely, The Upton family- Kip, Lynn, Tracy and Chris.
Bernita Krumbach
May 4, 2014
I want to say how thankful I am to God for giving me Walt as a son to have, to love and enjoy for 54 years. He was such a blessing to me, to both his families and he was such a blessing to his community. Now we have given him back to the Lord. Because of our mutual strong faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, I know that I will be with Walt again soon in heaven. Thank you all for the condolences given here and to the estimated 750 who attended his memorial service.
Jim Macko
May 4, 2014
I was saddened to learn of Walt's death. I went to school with Walt from Junior High through the start of college. I learned of his outstanding police career in El Segundo at our high school 30 year reunion. He made a mark wherever he went and the world was a better place for his presence. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you.
May 3, 2014
KJ, for you and your Mom, brother and sister, thoughts of sympathy for the loss of your Dad. Thinking of you -
Joy
May 3, 2014
There are no words. On Monday morning when I received the call my heart stopped!! I kept on saying this is not real.. Walt was bigger than life and now he was gone.. Are you kidding me? Walt was kind, honest, loving, supportive to everyone he met. We were both type A personalities and we would always share stories only we could relate to..I will miss him so much. I promise we will take good care of the family you so loved.. Always in our hearts.
Latanya meadors
May 2, 2014
RIP Lt. Krumbach .... Heaven gained an angel. You will be missed. It was a pleasure working for you.
keep swimming
Mary Kobus, Deputy City Treasury (retired)
May 2, 2014
"Be not burdened with times of sorrow; I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much, good friends, good times, a loved one's touch." "Perhaps my time seemed too brief, don't lengthen it now with undue grief." May the Lord give you strength to make it through this difficult time. HHS classmate & ES co-worker PEACE!
Martha Johnson
May 2, 2014
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. We will all miss his lovely personality and kindness. I personally will miss seeing him every weekend mowing the lawn and yelling at Cadbury to stay out of the street!
If you need anything Kate, Alaina, or KJ, I'm just across the street.
Kathy Lubs
May 2, 2014
Dear Kate, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I certainly remember you and Alaina from Child Obs. May God strengthen you all in this time of sadness and loss.
Troy Wheeler
May 2, 2014
Walt was such an awesome guy. He always had a smile for everyone and was so positive and supportive. As a young man, I got in some trouble with the law and Walt never acted any different toward me. He was always kind and there for our family as a neighbor and a friend. What a tragic loss for everyone that was close to him. My heart goes out to his family.
Kelly Flowers
May 2, 2014
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Walter. I worked with him at the EL Segundo Police Department and what I will always remember was his sunny disposition and terrific sense of humor.
My sincere condolences go out to his family. I am so very sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers..
Nick Affinito
May 2, 2014
My prayers go out to the Krumbach family through this difficult time. Thanks for serving our community all these years Walt. Rest in peace.
Lily Craig
May 1, 2014
There are no words to soften the pain. There are no words to make sense of the tragic loss. There are just no words. So instead I will use words to describe my friend Walt. Kind, caring, fun, hard working, great sense of humor! I so enjoyed working with him. He always had a smile on his face, no matter what. Even when we did not agree, which was seldom, he was fun to spar with. Just an all around great guy. More than anything else, he adored his family and would often talk about them with a sparkle in his eyes. It's his smile and his sharp wit that I will carry with me always. My heartfelt condolences to his loving family. May God give you strength to get through this heartbreaking loss and may he rest in peace until we meet again.
May 1, 2014
Walter, You made your parents, friends, and family proud of you. You showed us all how to give utmost meaning to life. Friday we will celebrate your life, well lived. You did it, Walt!
Susie & Larry Gerling
Alan Lutz
May 1, 2014
I met Walt when he was 9 and he went to the beach with me and his sisters. He went on to become a great man who served others and will be missed by family and friends. God bless on your journey.
Jenny Kimber
May 1, 2014
Walt, you will be missed so much. I hope heaven is beautiful and you get to have fun watching all of your loved ones here. I feel honored to have known you.
Ashli and Dana Rafiee
May 1, 2014
Kate and family, we are so sorry for your loss. May Walt's memories live on.
God Bless
Kirk Budds
May 1, 2014
I knew Walt Krumbach for three, short years. He is one of the finest men I've ever met. At Chevron, I interacted with him on a daily basis; thus, I know he loved his wife, children, and grandchild deeply. The positive attitude he maintained will impact me forever. I will miss him every day until we meet again. My heart and thoughts go out to his family and other friends.
Sandy Wingate
May 1, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Walt was a great guy. He will be missed. Your former neighbors. Sandy, Skip, Troy, Todd, and April Wheeler..
May 1, 2014
Dear Walter My Beloved Childhood Brother and Friend, Dear Precious Family, Walter will always be rembered with Love and Laughter and the Greatest of Admiration. He Most Truly Grew Up and Became the Man He Dreamed He Would Be. I am SOOO VERY Blessed to have shared our earliest days of our lives here on this earth. Love Never Ends !
Adam Walch
May 1, 2014
Walter Krumbach was a man of integrity and character. I respected him enormously, and was very sorry to hear of his untimely passing.
Victoria Eide Cordero
May 1, 2014
RIP Walt
Fran Richmond
May 1, 2014
Fond memories of a nice man who called me "mom".
Barbara Pinchuk
May 1, 2014
You were indeed one of the good guys. Your integrity, love of your family and your wonderful laugh will be missed.
Tom Mullen
May 1, 2014
To the Krumbach family. So sorry to hear of Walt's tragic passing. Working with him for all those years was a great pleasure. He was always upbeat, put a smile on your face, and was one hell of a cop and a pleasure to work with.
May your memories last forever, and your heart always cherish those memories.
Jill Brunkhardt
May 1, 2014
Walt was truly one of kind. He always made me laugh and brought a smile to my face. I'm going to truly miss working and joking around with him at Chevron. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Krumbach family and to all who are feeling a void in their life because of Walt's passing.
Panamint Spring Campground, Death Valley April 2014
John Vo
May 1, 2014
R.I.P. Walter! God bless you and your family!
Richard & Una Mc Intyre
May 1, 2014
Kathleen & Family
our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy are all yours at this hard time. Walt was a true example of a wonderful husband, father and loving human being. It was a pleasure when you visited our home in Ireland and again we have fond memories when we visited with the family in California. We will remember Walt and pray for all of you at Mass this Sunday.
Your Uncle Richard & Aunt Una
Mary Kelly
May 1, 2014
Walt was a great man and a pleasure to work with. I enjoyed hearing his stories about working with ESPD and the stories he shared about his family. RIP Walt.
Rose Anne Ost
May 1, 2014
Dear Ellen,
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of your brother's passing. Nothing….no one can prepare you for a loss like this. May warm memories bring you comfort during this most difficult time. Sending heartfelt t condolences to you and your family.
Margaret Zalabak
May 1, 2014
Walt made coming to work fun and my memories are priceless. His love for Kate made me smile...and he was so very proud of his kids. I love the story that LeeAnn and Vinny posted...that's just so like both of them!! He's left a hole in many hearts.
May 1, 2014
Kathleen, I am sending you and your family whatever comfort I can in these few words on the death of your husband Walt. I will write soon. Love and God Bless. Auntie Brigid. Sligo. Ireland
May 1, 2014
Kathleen, This is your cousin Betty in Ireland. I fondly remember my visits with the McIntyre family when I lived in Missouri. I remember you and Walt as a young married couple with small children. His death is a devastating blow, and I send you and all the family my sympathy, love and prayers as you grieve for Walt and lay him to rest. Love, Betty
Lee Ann & Vinny Giglio
April 30, 2014
Our hearts are broken. Walt was always so caring, gentle and fun. We loved him. A real gentlemen. El Segundo was blessed to have his protection on ESPD all these years. I'll always remember a night years ago at the Gardener's house during a party and there was hot artichoke dip served...Vinny and Walt stole it, took it upstairs and ate it all by themselves. They were so proud of themselves. Lots of good times. Our love & prayers to you Kate and your beautiful kids. We love you.
Jim Peterson
April 30, 2014
Walt was a very kind gentleman, who added class to our law enforcement profession. I had the pleasure of working with him in CPOA, as the Area X Chair. Thank you Walt for holding our profession in high regard based on your performance. I recall recently see him at Sycamore Park with his grandchild shower the child with love.
Debbie Elander
April 30, 2014
Walt, you will be missed. My sympathy to your family, I know you will be watching over them.
John Buck
April 30, 2014
Walt was the kind of guy who, every time you talked with him, he made you feel like YOU were HIS best friend. The Buck family will miss him greatly.
Dennis Kilroy
April 30, 2014
Grew up with Walt, played Baseball, hung out, got in trouble at school.Went to El Camino College with Walt.Many happy memories. Walt was a classy guy and everyone loved him. Walt will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. RIP my friend get the ball field ready for us Del Aire Kids.
Harry McClaine
April 30, 2014
Walt was an unbelievable presence... Walt had that certain something that when he would enter a room (without saying a word) was able to fill it full of the best energy. I'm very proud and honored to have had the chance to work with such a great man. Guys like Walt don't come along everyday. You are a very special individual, you are greatly missed sir.
Deirdre Mc Intyre
April 30, 2014
Kathleen I'm so so sorry, as your little cousin in Ireland I met Walt when I was a teen and he left a wonderful impression on me, what a lovely man. The same wonderful smile as in this photo. I'm so sorry for you and his family.
Brenda Cleary
April 30, 2014
I will always remember Walt smiling when passing the house while walking down California street with his wife and friend Kate. I respected the passion he had for his family and the community - with never a hesitation to show it. May God surround you all and give you His peace which surpasses all understanding and fill the earthly void Walt leaves behind. God bless.
Vanessa Sandoval
April 30, 2014
Kent you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know there are no words that can take the shock or pain of your loss away, but know there are so many here for you, thinking of you and praying for comfort for you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless.
Tim Downey
April 30, 2014
Walt was a great man that I was fortunate to work with at Chevron. I'm very sad to hear of Walt's tragic accident. My sincere condolences to all Walt's family as he will be missed greatly.
Nancy Affinito
April 30, 2014
My condolences
Robert Gunnoe
April 30, 2014
Walt was a credit to the El Segundo Police Department and a great person to work with. His enthusiasm and sense of humor were an inspiration to all. He will be missed greatly.
April 30, 2014
Walt was as fine a man as God ever put on this planet. I am honored to have known him and to consider him a friend. Best wishes to his family.
Eric Johnson
Wilder, Vermont
Always helping out
Dan Grantham
April 30, 2014
Chevron and The El Segundo refinery lost a great man. He had style. quick wit and always had a good joke to tell.
I miss him already but the wonderful memories will live on. God Speed Walt.
GEORGE MCCORD
April 30, 2014
ADIOS WALT VALLA CON DIOS
Dan Spahr
April 30, 2014
Walt was a great guy, always there to help. It is a sad day when the world loses a man as generous as he was. I will never forget him always being there for the Husky Football Family, we will miss him a great deal. My heart goes out to the family. He will no longer be confined to this world, he will be able to spread his spirit with all. I am a better person by meeting people like him.
The Davis Family
April 30, 2014
Our deepest & sincerest condolences to the Krumbach family. We suffered a similar loss just one year ago so our hearts really go out to Kate & the kids; may they find comfort in their family, friends & faith.
In thought,
Kathy, Ryan, Eric & Marisa
Rick Carr
April 30, 2014
I went through the academy with Walt and later worked with his son, Kent. Walt was a good man who always left me smiling. He will definitely be missed.
Andrew Machin
April 30, 2014
It was with great sadness Gail and I learned of Walt's passing. He was a lovelly guy. Our thoughts are with you all.
Andrew
Tom Dutton
April 30, 2014
I had the pleasure of working closely with Walt at Chevron. His unending passion, quick wit, and sense of humor will be greatly missed. May you rest in peace my friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Chris Vukelich
April 30, 2014
Walt, you were one of the good guys! I'm gonna miss you, RIP....Vuke
April 30, 2014
Walt was a remarkable man. His love for his wife and family, his friends and co-workers,his loyal and long public service,and his amazing personality left a loving mark on all of us. Your overwhelming sorrow will ease and leave a marvelous,happy memory of the pure goodness of Walt, the exceptional husband,dad, grampa, son and friend he was.
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