Walter Henry Eyster

Walter Henry "Walt" Eyster, Jr., 94, of Bagley, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center.
Walter was born on September 15, 1931, to Walter Henry Sr. and Grace (Stough) Eyster. Throughout his life, he lived in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California before settling in Minnesota in 1971, where he lived the remainder of his years.
A proud veteran, Walter served in the United States Navy and was a longtime member of the Irvin Blix American Legion Post #16 of Bagley. He also belonged to the Lake Itasca Pioneer Farmers, where he enjoyed sharing in the preservation of history and tradition.
Walter's work life was as varied and dedicated as he was. He worked for the U.S. Navy in California, for United Airlines in San Francisco, and later at the Ford Garage in Bagley. He also drove school bus for the Bagley School District for 42 years, an accomplishment that connected him to generations of local families. Alongside these careers, farming remained one of his greatest loves. He took joy in raising beef cattle and working the land.
Walter met Helen Brooks at Moffett Field Naval Station in July of 1954. The two were married on August 29, 1954, at Moffett Field. After Walter's honorable discharge, they lived in Burlingame, California, where they welcomed their children: daughter Patti in 1960 and son Jeffrey in 1964. The family moved to Bagley on May 14, 1971, where they began farming and building a life rooted in hard work, community, and family. Helen preceded Walter in death on September 28, 2012.
Later that year, Walter met Marjorie Baughman, and the two quickly grew close. Together, they traveled nearly 40,000 miles across the United States and Canada, visiting places such as Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore, creating cherished memories along the way. They returned to Bagley when not on the road, making a warm home together until Marjorie's passing.
Walter loved to travel, explore, tinker, build, and take on new projects. His curiosity and energy touched every part of his life. He had seen much of the country during his military service and continued exploring whenever he could.
Walter is survived by his daughter- Patricia (Greg) Anderson of Mentor; grandson- Nicholas (Samantha) Bergan of East Grand Forks, Minnesota; granddaughter- Frances (Kyle) Kreklow of Delano, Minnesota; and great-grandchildren Blake, Brooks, Brody, and Archie Kreklow and Ella and Kade Bergan.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen Eyster; his son, Jeffrey R. Eyster; and his special friend, Marjorie Baughman.
Walter will be remembered for his love of family, his devotion to service, his readiness to work with his hands, and the stories gathered across a lifetime of journeys. His legacy will live on in the many people whose lives he touched.
No services are being planned.