Mark Minahan Walter

Mark Minahan Walter came into this world on December 29th, 1998, being 6 weeks early and in a hurry. He never stopped that enthusiasm in life until his body said enough on October 17th, 2025.

Mark had a passion for Toy Story, and we watched this movie daily if not twice a day, with films 1 and 2 being his favorites. This means over the last 25 years, he saw them over 10,000 times! He knew what he liked and wasn't afraid to tell us. He also loved music and could be heard listening to songs from the 80's through to todays' hits. He especially enjoyed Veggie Tales and Les Misérables. However, his favorite thing to do was to only play a part of the song then quick switch to a different genre. Thus, many in our home can sing lyrics for the first half of a song but have no idea how it ends. There was one song that he loved since he was a baby and could always calm him during the tough times: Liquid by Jars of Clay.

Mark's support system included his mother Shannon, his father Aran, older brother John, identical twin brother Noah, and his favorite sister Molly. He was also blessed with grandparents Tony and Jenny Walter, Aunt Allison Volkman, Uncle Nate Volkman, cousins Maxine and Georgia, Aunt Keeley Townsend and Uncle Casey Poehling. Those waiting for him in heaven with arms open include his grandparents Jim and Susan Townsend, and furry friends Bubba and Pepper.

Mark's extended support system included many teachers, autism therapists, specialists, respite caretakers, family, and amazing friends. We could not have given Mark the best life possible without all your help. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Mark was a very loving, funny, cute, and smart young man. Mark had many struggles including Autism and Epilepsy but showed us love and patience in ways that only he could. His love of books was obvious by his need for us to read to him often. However, Dr Suess was by far his favorite author. He enjoyed hearing us attempt the wonderful "words" that Dr. Suess created and the rhymes being almost in song. One of his favorite books was The Lorax. He embodied the Truth spoken in that book, particularly the words of the Once-ler, who said:

"UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not"

For those who are local and able to attend his Celebration of Life, in lieu of flowers we ask you to bring your favorite children's book, and we will be donating them to different places here in our area. If you are unable to join us in person, please donate a book in your area in remembrance of Mark so his passion can be spread far and wide.

A funeral service and celebration of life will be held at St Thomas Episcopal Church, 226 Washington St, Menasha, WI, Saturday October 25, 2025. Visitation will be starting at 1PM in the chapel with service at 2PM in the main sanctuary, followed by a dessert reception in the parish hall with all of Marky's favorite things to eat. For those not able to attend in person, the 2PM service will be livestreamed on all of St. Thomas' platforms which can be found at www.stthomaswi.com/livestream