MADISON - A ray of light left this earth Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Born March 10, 1962, into the loving arms of his parents, Bill and Helen Jankowski in Waukesha, Walter was welcomed by his fun-loving five siblings, Dave, Chris, Paul, Bill and Dori. "Proud" does not begin to describe his feelings for his two beloved children, Alec and Madeline. He welcomed his daughter-in-law, Genna, with open arms and was so looking forward to their new arrival in 2022 and his new role as grandpa. He walked, danced, and skipped through life with his partner and HB, Lisa Hanrahan.

Walter, Walt, Wally, Walter-Never-Falter was one of a kind. No one was a stranger, and he embraced people with such pure joy that once you met him, you never forgot him. His talents and passions were many - stiltwalker, engineer, teacher, sports fan, business owner, networker, but above all, mentor.

He leaves behind so many cherished memories for those he loved and who loved him: his siblings and in-laws, Chris, Paul and Joan, Bill and Joni, and Pam; the mother of his children, Margaret; their grandma, Sunny; many nieces, nephews, cousins; so many dear neighbors and friends, including his best buddies, Bob Miller and Pam Hoffman; and Lisa's extended family, who adored him.

Wally, your time here was too short, but you made every minute count with your zest for living. You packed three lifetimes' worth of life into your time here and left us all the better for it. We will love and miss you forever. Wallelujah!

A celebration of life will be held at the EAST SIDE CLUB, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m., with services at 2 p.m., on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Madison.com on Aug. 8, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Jankowski

Sponsored by Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison/Monona.

3 Entries

Michael Rohr

July 28, 2022

I like to refer to him as "The Great Waldo". Wally played Nathan Detroit in the high school play Guys & Dolls. I played Sky Masterson. Wally was what I'd call a "calm cool". He was always witty, smiling, and a master of the concept that the glass is always half full. We shared a lot of laughs and a few beers along our adolescent journey and I am better for having shared a small path of my life with him as my friend. He was a rare soul indeed. My memories of him are cherished. My sincerest sympathies to his family for their loss.

Michael Rohr

August 4, 2021

My deepest sympathies to your family. Wally was a one-of-a-kind guy. He always had a smile on his face and a warm greeting for all who came into his space. I haven't seen Wally for a number of years but all my memories of Wally are good ones. Again, my deepest sympathies to you for your loss.

Marv

August 3, 2021

Wally, your smile and zeal for life were contagious. Growing up at 424 Malpe Ave with you and the other nine kids in that house leaves me many fond memories. You are and will be missed!

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Memorial Events
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Aug

15

Visitation

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The East Side Club

3735 Monona Dr., Madison, WI 53714

Funeral services provided by:

Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison/Monona

5203 Monona Drive, Monona, WI 53716

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