Walter J. "Walle" Traenkle

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. - Walter "Walle" Traenkle, 78, of Mt. Pleasant, Mich., and formerly of Newton, passed away Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, at his home under the care of Heartland Hospice.

Walle was born Jan. 18, 1938, in Newark, son of the late John and Frances (Seeger) Traenkle. He graduated from Seton Hall High School, South Orange, in 1955. He served in the Army National Guard from 1959-1966. During that period, he married Donna DeAngelis on May 30, 1965, in Newton.

He was employed by the State of New Jersey in the Administrative Office of the Courts, before retiring in 2000. He was also self-employed by Pequannock Feed and Fuel, and Snap Out Forms in Newton. Walle was an advocate for the awareness of organ donation and transplantation, and would conduct radio and TV interviews to help convey that message. In 1996, Walle was named the Healthcare Professional Triangle Award honoree by the New Jersey Transplant Association for his dedication to saving lives through organ donation and transplantation.

He and his wife moved to Mt. Pleasant in 2003. He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish and a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1297, which he served as trustee. In 1992, he was voted Knight of the Year by the Knights of Columbus in New Jersey. He was a past member of the Mt. Pleasant Historical Society. Some of his favorite pastimes included gardening and fixing things that "couldn't be fixed."

Walle is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna; daughter, Dr. Diane Traenkle, of Mt. Pleasant; five grandchildren, Pearl, Khanya, Thandi, Thasi and Musa; sister, Trudy Traenkle, of Latham, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Father Mark Traenkle; brother, Mark Traenkle; and brother-in-law, James McKenna.

A Funeral Mass for Walle will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Mt. Pleasant, Mich., with Father Loren Kalinowski as celebrant. Immediately following the Mass, a luncheon will be held at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 4-8 p.m. with the vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Saturday one hour prior to Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Parish or Heartland Hospice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

To leave a condolence for the family or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.charlesrlux.com.