Walter Charles Pemper

Walter Charles Pemper passed away on April 9, 2024 after complications from a stroke.
Wally was born on December 30, 1938 to Helen Mae (nee Wilm) and Jacob Pemper in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was their firstborn son. A brother Jack soon followed, and 23 years later his sister Kathy was born. His father worked for Allis-Chalmers and his mother was a nurse's aide. His childhood was spent enjoying outdoor adventures, playing card games, and sports, especially baseball.
His drive to succeed and strong work ethic developed early. After a paper route, he set his sights on a position at a local grocery store. He convinced the owner of the grocery store to hire him, even though he was technically one year too young to be employed. After graduating from West Milwaukee High in 1957, he promptly joined the Air Force. He was stationed in England where he served as a weatherman and played on the baseball team.
Upon completing his military service, he moved to Los Angeles, California and worked in the banking industry. He graduated from Woodbury college with a degree in accounting. He was employed with Finkle & Finkle, an accounting firm. He met first wife Mardene (nee Lammert), and they married in 1963. They had three children; Michael, Steven, and Stefanie. The family lived in Northridge, CA, Colorado, and Huntington Beach, CA.
Wally and his wife Francie enjoyed over 22 wonderful years together. Whether they were sampling all the fabulous cuisine in Laguna Beach, attending shows at the Laguna Playhouse or Pageant of the Masters, delighting in sporting events, or hosting the family Thanksgiving, they were always together. In later years they enjoyed cooking dinners at home, watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Sunday Morning, and hanging out with their dogs.
His mobile home corporations spanned over 50 years with sales of new and resale homes. He was the largest dealer of manufactured housing in Southern California for many years. Still active in the industry with Blue Carpet Homes, he worked tirelessly, until his death. In 2009, he received a Lifetime Achievement award; "Man of the Year", from California Manufactured Housing Institute (CMHI). From the beginning of his mobile home business, his office manager Christie Warken was not only a close friend, but extremely important to the success of the business.
For over 30 years he enjoyed golfing with a tight knit group of guys, followed by a poker game. He enjoyed season tickets to the Angel's and Laker games, horseracing, and betting on sports, even in the last year of his life. He dominated the family card games of Sheepshead and Ah Hell!
Wally was a kind man of principle, a loving and supportive family man, an entrepreneur, and a dog lover. He will be remembered for his devotion to his wife Francie, his family, and all those who worked for him. He leaves a huge void in so many lives and will be deeply missed.
Wally was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Helen Pemper and his brother Jack Allen Pemper. He is survived by his beloved wife Frances Holder Pemper, his sons Michael (Gladys), Steven, and daughter Stefanie Pemper. His grandchildren Kaylie (Kyle) Barkwill, Natyeli (Garrett) Hattfield, Lizette Ali, and Jesus Ali. Also survived by great grandchildren Adalynn, Aubrey and Leighton Barkwill. His sister Kathryn (GJ) Walley, sister-in-law Patricia Pemper, brother-in-law Rick (Barbara) Holder). Wally was a devoted uncle to Bethany Pemper, Lauren (David) Romero, Shay Pemper, Joe and Jacqline Walley, and Jack and Lola Romero. Survived by his cousins Ronald (Mary) Pemper and Ted (Kathy) Wilm.
Also survived by former spouses Mardene Anderson (mother of his children) and LouAnn McColloch.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project or ASPCA.
A celebration of life will be announced soon.