Walter M. Ringer Jr.

Walter M. Ringer Jr.

Walter Ringer Obituary

Published by David Lee Funeral Home & Cremation Services from Feb. 3 to Feb. 6, 2007.
Ringer, Walter M. Jr. Devoted husband, father, grandfather & great grand- father, age 88, passed away in peace at his home in Crystal Bay surrounded by his family on February 2, 2007. Walter is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Elizabeth; by his sons, Walter III "Joe" & wife Jane, John & wife Middie; daughters, Elizabeth "Lisa", Katherine "Kayte"; by eight grandchildren, John "Kolt" & wife Michelle, Michael, Elizabeth "Libby", Molly, Katie Rose, Anna, Forrest, Isabel "Izzy"; two great grandchildren, Timothy John "T.J." & Ella; sister, Elinor Ann Ringer. Preceded in death by parents, Walter & Elinor Ringer; sister, Isabel Smiley; brothers, Charles Judd Ringer & Edwin F. Ringer. Walter graduated from West High School in Minneapolis in 1936; attended the University of Minnesota; and served in the Marine Corps during WWII. He was Chairman of the Board of Foley Companies (formerly, Foley Mfg. Company) where he was a principal owner and "associate" for over seventy years. Walter served on various corporate and non-profit boards. He was a longtime member of St. Martin's by-the-Lake Church, Fox and Hounds Club, Minneapolis Rotary, Minneapolis Club, Woodhill and Lafayette Clubs. He was also involved in many civic activities in Park Rapids, Minnesota and Boca Grande, Florida. Walter was a dignified, warm and charitable man who loved people and the outdoors. A memorial service for Walter will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at St. Martin's by-the-Lake Episcopal Church (2801 Westwood Road, Minnetonka Beach-off Cty. Rd 15 West) followed by a reception at the Lafayette Club. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial gifts be directed to Abbott Northwestern Hospital Foundation (800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407), University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (3675 Arboretum Dr. Chanhassen, MN 55317) or St. Martin's by- the-Lake Episcopal Church (P.O. Box 38, Minnetonka Beach, MN 55361). David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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November 21, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

February 21, 2007

Henry and Mila Doerr posted to the memorial.

February 11, 2007

Don Mitchell posted to the memorial.

November 21, 2011

To the Ringer family, On April 29th your Father escorted me and William Leadens (both 17 years old to the OVAL OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE to speak with President Nixon. He also took us to Hollywood to be on ART LINKLETTER SHOW. I have photos. Thank you Mr. Ringer, MAY YOU KEEP EVERLASTINGLY AFTER IT.
Patricia Anita Young [email protected]

Henry and Mila Doerr

February 21, 2007

Dear Liz, Joe, John, Lisa and Katye,

The last of the Minnetonka Beach trio has passed on- Dad, Larry and Judy. Each legends in their own way; all missed but their influence and values have been passed with an undimmed light.

Mila and I were so glad to have the chance in August to catch up with all of you and offer our support and sympathy.

Love,

Henry

Don Mitchell

February 11, 2007

John, I am very sorry to hear of your father's death. I remember with fondness his taking us to the cabin at Park Rapids when we were just kids--we spent a weekend planting trees. He was very kind, as were all your family. Much later, he was good to my uncle, Bud Mitchell, who lived many years at the St. Cloud VA Hospital, and was always cheered to be visited by your Dad. I wish you and all your family the best as you grieve the loss of a wonderful man.

Gregg & Denise Steinhafel

February 9, 2007

We offer our sincerest condolances to everyone in the Ringer family. We have been fortunate to spend a little time with Walter in the past few years and have enjoyed his stories, tender heart and thoughtfulness. May God bless him and his family.

Ardis & Michael Strieby

February 7, 2007

To the Ringer Family,

Such a kind and gracious gentleman. He always made me feel special because he remembered my name when I saw him; although this was long ago, both Michael and I, have fond memories of Mr. Ringer and know he'll be missed greatly.

Brian Bridger

February 6, 2007

Joe, John and families,
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Mr. Ringer. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Brian and Colleen Bridger

Von & Pam Vold

February 6, 2007

Mrs. Ringer and Family,
We were sorry to hear of Mr. Ringer's passing. He will be in our prayers. We will fondly remember him as we travel Garnet Drive and view the beautiful pines and landscaping that he so enjoyed working on over the years.

AgeWell Home Care Team

February 5, 2007

Dear Ringer Family,

We are sorry for your loss. In the short time we had the privilege of caring for your father, we learned what a special man he was to so many people.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Greg Turner

February 5, 2007

Dear John, Joe and your families,

I'm so sorry to hear of Walter's passing. Mine and Debbie's prayers will be with all of you.

Kindest Regards,
Greg Turner

Dave Hamre

February 5, 2007

John, Joe and Families,

Your father was a remarkable man. His wisdom, character and leadership helped shape me as a young man. He gave me some chances, where others wouldn't have taken the time. What he did for me has never been forgotten. As I reminised yesterday, I realized just what an effect he has had on my life. I call my employees-- associates, My kids groan when they've heard me say for the 100th time on a project "Keeping Everlasting at it Brings Success" and on my office wall is a sign that says " Sell the Dream not the Machine" I could go on and on about this very remarkable man and the effect he still has on me to this day.

This is the passing of a truly great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Cheryl McLaughlin

February 4, 2007

Liz, Joe, John, Lisa and Kayte,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Judy was a gem. I loved Judy's gregarious spirit, his big smile that came from his soul, his warmth and "can-do" spirit, his desire to make a difference (and he did)and his love of family. I'm so glad he was surrounded by those he loved when he passed on. All the best to you and your families.
Cheryl McLaughlin (Margharite McLean's granddaughter)

Brett and Matthew Rosenstein

February 4, 2007

Dear Ringer Family:
We are very sorry for your loss and send our prayers to you. We are in Kolt's fifth grade class and will do our best to cheer him up!

Lyman Walters, Jr

February 4, 2007

Mrs. Ringer and Family:
I was just with my mother, Martha Walters, and she wanted to be remembered to you and asked me to extend her sympathy and love. Judy was a lifelong (literally) friend of Lyman's and his friendship was always highly valued by Lyman and Martha. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the services for our family, but I will assist mom in calling you in the coming weeks. Prayers and love,

Rita Andrescik

February 4, 2007

So much of my childhood involved the Ringer family and Foley Manufacturing Co.. Dad loved working there and would even come back early from vacations so that he could get back to his desk and catch-up with his work. I remember one Foley Christmas Party when the Schiek's Singing Sextet was hired to perform. After they were finished, I was to sing "O Holy Night" and Judy introduced me saying "Someday Rita will sing in the Sextet". And I did! I will always remember this beautiful man.

Kathy Young

February 4, 2007

To the family,

Judy was a hero to our family. Our father Frank Andrescik worked for Foley Mfr for 25 years. He loved working with Judy as I know Judy loved our father, they had a very special relationship. Our father died in 1970 while working at Foley, Judy was with our family through our sorrow, he even came to our mothers memorial 10 years ago to show his love. What a great loving man, a gift to this world. Thank you to the family for sharing his love. He will be truly missed.

Kathy (Andrescik) Young

Marysia Laskowicz

February 3, 2007

I will miss your big heart, your generosity, and your penchant for life.

Ray Arnold

February 3, 2007

a true gentleman - he will be missed.

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November 21, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

February 21, 2007

Henry and Mila Doerr posted to the memorial.

February 11, 2007

Don Mitchell posted to the memorial.