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Walter Zaptin Obituary
Funeral Mass: 11 a.m. today, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Crete. Memorials in lieu of flowers to the family. Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete.
This obituary was originally published in the Journal Star.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Thomas Klasterka
August 13, 2017
Wally was in the room across from me at Loring AFB AMMS barracks. We used to roller skate in Caribou on the weekend. I remember when he wanted to change the color of his carpet, so he sprayed it blue. Then all of the paint started flaking off. He had a great sense of humor. We worked on hounddog missiles launched from the B52.
Ronald Swanson
December 9, 2006
I want to give my late sympathy to you I knew Wally for many years in the guard. I retired early but always remember him as one of the great mechanics on the flight line. I moved to Wyoming a few years ago and just moved back to hte Lincoln area was told about the acident. I am sorry. Ronald Swanson tsgt retired
Scott Shaw
October 31, 2006
His position may be filled but his shoes never will. As a young Crew Chief I looked up to Wally not only as an outstanding mechanic but also in his ability to make everyone around him smile. He will be dearly missed and his memories will remain with the Air Guard for years to come.
Linda (Fonderico) Higgins
October 20, 2006
To Peggy and family, Aunt Gladys,Eddie,John and families, Mom called me today and let me know. My thoughts and sympathies are with you all at this time. Many happy memories of my childhood revolved aound your family and Ellenville. Wally will be remembered in my prayers.
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Theresa Mari
October 14, 2006
To the Zaptin Family -- I remember Wally when I was a little girl visiting in Ellenville. Playing hide and seek with his Irish setters giving up his every hiding spot-and the "princess pine" he gave me to take home. I had such a crush. That memory will stay with me always. Peggy, God be with you and your family-- Peace and love to you all.
Bob Price SMSGT Retired
October 13, 2006
Good Bye Wally Super Gentleman
I met Wally many years ago when he first arrived at the Nebraska Air National Guard - I had the good fortune to be his first Flight Line
supervisor and like many others on record here we had some great times.
I had thought with his young age and abilities he would someday be a great leader as us older folks moved on and out of the way.
Another great loss to us all that he has left here for a much better place fee of pain.
Thanks Wally for making my job such a pleasure and the memories You gave me.
Bob
Terry Clapper
October 12, 2006
I lived next to Wally for over 20 years, I had alot of memories growing up with Clint and Colleen. He was great person to know. He will deeply be missed.
John (Ret ANG/ARNG) Keech
October 12, 2006
It was a pleasure and honor to Inspect Wally's Aircraft. He always had an answer for everything but it was that grin of his that I will never forget. Some years back, I mentioned to Wally a concern I had about installing a windshield in my old car restoration project. Wally said "I will do that for you." The very next day he arrived at my house with an old set of windshield installing tools and like a pro, he installed that windshield in minutes.. It is still in that car today and holding up fine.. You will be missed Wally!! You were definately a special person..
Scott Lowry
October 10, 2006
The last memory I'll have of Wally is his greeting me with his contagious smile and a cheerful "Hi Scotty" after a long night on the flightline. Godspeed Wally. You will be missed.
Mike Litjen (ANG retired)
October 10, 2006
I was deeply saddened to hear of Wally's death. He was one terrific person, and his loss will be long felt by the members of the Air National Guard. He was a delight to travel the world with. My sincere sympathies to his entire family.
Autumn (Bohling) Jacobs
October 10, 2006
I remember Wally when I used come over to the house to play with Colleen. He always seemed like a very nice man. I am very sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. No words can ever replace him, but just remember all of the great times you shared with him.
Gary Furse
October 9, 2006
We are so sorry for your loss. There are no words of comfort that will erase the ache in your hearts but please know that our prayers are with all of you. God Bless your family. Gary and Roxanne Furse
George Sarris
October 9, 2006
I recall one winter morning following an overnight snowfall on the flight line in Nebraska. Wally was driving the bobcat clearing snow from under his jet, while Kim (his assistant Crew Chief) was throwing snow balls at him. Wherever we traveled in this world, Wally always made it an interesting trip.
MSgt George Sarris
(USAFR RETIRED)
ANG MSgt. Walter Zaptin directs a KC-135 at Moron AB, Spain, for an ONW mission.
October 9, 2006
Lambert Larson
October 9, 2006
I knew Wally when I was in the Air National Guard. He was a great guy and co-worker. We will miss him greatly.
Lambert & Sandy Larson (Gretna, Ne.
Scott & Samantha Wolf
October 9, 2006
We're very sorry to hear about Wally. Our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
David Ward
October 9, 2006
Wally was a good friend, fellow co-woker,and softball player.I worked a played ball with Wally for several years. I will miss him.God rest his sole and condolences to the family.
Dave and Shirley Ward Pittsburg,Mo.
Rusty Rhynalds
October 9, 2006
Wally was a great guy. My family enjoyed spending time with him. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family & friends.
Irene Simmons
October 8, 2006
Dear Peggy, Clint, Colleen, Gladys, Eddie, John and Family, So sorry to hear about Wally. Glad to have seen both of you when you were here on your recent trip. All of us here express our deepest sympathies and you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Ralph, Irene and Family
Darrin Swanson
October 8, 2006
I'll remember Wally's smile. He was always great to me when I was in the guard at Lincoln. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Arlene and Tony Mari
October 8, 2006
To Peggy and family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time .Arlene and Tony Mari and family
Wally & Peggy at Jeanne's Wedding in VA, Sep-2005
October 8, 2006
Jody Urbauer
October 8, 2006
I am sure we will all miss Wally a great deal. He was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with the family
John Hynes
October 7, 2006
I knew Wally while employed by the NEANG. He was a great co-worker and a great friend. We will all miss him.
Irene & Lefty & Family Mari
October 7, 2006
To Peggy& Family, Gladys,John & Eddie.May your love and strength of Family,carry you through the days ahead,I know that Wally, Will always be remembered by us. God Be With You and you will remain in our prayers.
Gregory Zegers Sr
October 7, 2006
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Fred & Dorothy Brittain
October 7, 2006
Our heartfelt condolences to Peggy & children, his Mother & Brothers. Our prayers are for you all.
May God Bless.
Love,
John Frost
October 7, 2006
I knew Wally during the years I was a member of the Nebraska Air National Guard. He was a great guy. I am saddened to hear of his passing. His family is in our prayers.
SMSGT John Frost
NEANG (Retired)
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