Walter H. Riley Jr.

TRAVERSE CITY — Walter H. Riley Jr., 88, died Sunday, May 11, 2008, at Grand Traverse Pavillions in Traverse City.

He was born Aug. 21, 1919, in Milwaukee, to Walter and Florence Riley. He was attending Marquette University in Milwaukee — where he played football — when he joined the Army Air Corps. He served in World War II as a B25 bomber pilot and flight instructor.

After leaving the service, Walter worked for Allis Chalmers corporation in Milwaukee. He subsequently joined the Amerace Corporation, where he ended a successful career as vice president of sales. He retired to Traverse City with his wife, June.

Walter was a member of Christ the King Church and was active in the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Alonzo Cudworth Post of the American Legion in Milwaukee, and a member of the Elks Lodge 323 in Traverse City. The Elks was where one would find him playing cards every Tuesday, and dancing every Friday night.

Survivors include his sister, Helen of Milwaukee; four children, Walter H. (Kathleen) Riley III of Rochester Hills, Kathleen (Paul) Picotte of Grand Rapids, Patrick (Trisha) Riley of E. Lansing, and Kevin (Denise) Riley of Traverse City. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, June; son, Michael; and two sisters.

His family will greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, where a scripture service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 15, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Acme. The Rev. Edwin Thome and Rev. Jerry Micketti will con-celebrate. A luncheon will be served immediately following Mass at the church. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings Street, Traverse City, MI 49686. Envelopes may be obtained at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and at the church.

"To all my friends, thanks for the memories. I am taking them with me."

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.