Walter Jay Groninger

Walter Jay Groninger passed away October 10, 2025 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Washington from metastatic cancer. Survived by his sisters, Mary Spivey of Vader, WA, Susan Groninger of St. Paul, MN, and a brother, David Groninger, of North Carolina, nephews Christopher Spivey of Joelton, TN, and Jason Spivey of Longview, WA.
Formally of Seattle, Walter graduated from Nathan Hale High School, class of 1976, and Cogswell College, class of March, 1990 with a degree in Electronics Engineering. Walter worked as a framing carpenter and roofer, computer repair technician, Satellite Communications Technician, Electronic Circuit Designer, and Telecommunications Engineer. Walter had a 33 year career with AT&T Mobility as a Field Engineer. Walter also studied solar and wind power, and rain water collection and taught others how to capture the gifts of our earth.
Walter's study of music began on piano and voice at age 6. He received his Confirmation from St. Mathew's Lutheran Church where he often performed with his mother at the piano and organ, and sister, Mary, on flute. Later, Walter studied the masters of classical guitar and brought inspiration to all who heard him play.
Walter spread his passion as a home chef with family, friends, neighbors, and his Guemes Island community with gourmet foods, and designed and built his house around a test kitchen where he perfected his recipes. Walter loved wildlife, the mountains, snow sports, hiking, bicycling, skating, and enjoyed traveling to countries to interact with culture and ingredients of international foods. Walter's generous nature and nurture will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Walter requested memorials be given to Skagit Valley Volunteer Firefighters, Guemes Island, Fire Chief Olivia Cole, 6310 Guemes Island Rd., Anacortes, WA 98221. You may offer condolences and share memories of Walter at www.kernfuneralhome.com.