Walter Duane Krapff

Walter D Krapff, age 92 of Rochester Hills, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Susan Krapff, his parents, sister Janice, brother Dick and close cousin Helen Louise.
They broke the mold when Walter D. Krapff was born. Known by many as Pete, Wally, Daddio, and Papa, he was one of a kind – full of love, joy, and a bit of mischief. Pete was born January 23, 1933 at home in a small town - Ohio, Illinois - to a strong wonderful mama, Althea Krapff, and Walter Krapff. Walter was the oldest of four kids, followed by Janice, Richard (aka Dick), and the baby Rita. Dad often told stories about how he grew up in Ohio. He talked about the first tractor his dad gave him (a Ford Ferguson), tipping cows, working at his uncle's gas station, and so much more. In high school, he ran track, played football, and was always involved in sports. Family was always very important to Pete, and summer vacations were spent going back to Ohio to visit his sisters, nieces, nephews, and extended family. After having his own family, Dad continued to travel back to Ohio to visit Gram and attend the Hawks family reunions. Recently, our cousin Sharon shared with us that Uncle Pete gave the best bear hugs, often making her feel like he was giving a mammogram he squeezed so hard (LOL)!
Pete joined the Navy right out of high school with his best friends and served from January 1952 to December 1955, training in aviation electronics. He told us many stories about his time in the Navy, traveling to Italy, Greece, and throughout Europe. Serving in the Navy gave him the opportunity to use the GI bill to attend college at the University of Illinois where he studied Electrical Engineering. He began his career working with Hewlett Packard on early computers which filled a room.
Walter and Susan's love story began when they met in Des Moines, Iowa in 1957. On the night Walter asked her out, Susie lied about not having had dinner because she had wanted him to ask her out! She accepted, and the rest is history. On June 8, 1958, Walter wed Susan Ann Gosch in Wall Lake, Iowa. Theirs is a love story that will go down in history. Their deep love and commitment to one another lasted for nearly 65 years ending when Susie passed away in 2023.
Walt and Sue went into business together, opening Big Red Q Quickprint in 1976. They loved working with customers, talking smack about college sports teams, and getting into fun political discussions. After starting a business, Big Red and Susie Q were together 24/7 for 47 years, showing their strength as a couple and enduring nature of their love.
Daddio loved his children, Jennifer (Anthony Valletta), Carolyn (Paul Wills), Kimbery (Anthony Anstey) and grandkids Kyle and Megan Wills, Bethan Anstey, Carolina and Matteo Valletta. Walter loved his family deeply and attended as many events as possible.
In his final years, he lived in a senior community Avon on the Lake and at Pomeroy Independent Living. Dad made such a positive impression on many, attending happy hour and drinking wine as often as possible. He participated in events, dancing, laughing, and always having fun. Always positive, always upbeat, and always open to fun and lively debate, Walter will be deeply missed by many.