Patrick Thomas Walter
April 7, 1962 - Nov. 26, 2022
VALPARAISO, IN - Patrick Thomas Walter, age 60, of Valparaiso, IN passed away on November 26th. He was a loved father, husband, granddad, son, uncle, friend, teacher, and more, to the many people who knew him.
He was born to Kenneth and Elaine Walter on April 7, 1962, in Evanston, IL. Patrick was one of six children and grew up in a household full of love, music, and laughter. He graduated in 1987 from the University of Michigan, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Shortly thereafter he met his spouse, Leticia (Rojas), and they were married on January 24, 1987.
Patrick taught in the Steger School District 194 for almost twenty years. He loved teaching children and making an impact on young lives. He was patient and kind, but his real talent lay in his ability to connect with his students, making them laugh and smile. Recently retired, he was still substitute teaching on a near daily basis, continuing to do what he loved.
When he wasn't teaching, Patrick was an avid cyclist, camper, and family man. He loved to follow the Tour de France and dreamt of heading to France to ride each stage along with the riders. He spent most of his summer vacations road-tripping across the country with his beloved wife to national parks or spending time with his children and grandchildren. More than anything, Patrick was a man who loved and lived for his family. He was a shining light in so many lives. He cared for all of those around him and could not help but put all of his energy into taking care of others. He was a kind and beautiful spirit and carried a warm smile everywhere he went.
Patrick is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Elaine; and his brother, Jamie. He is survived by his loving wife, Leticia; brothers: Ken Jr., Doug, and John; and his sister, Sheila. His great joy in life came from raising his four children: Christina, Johnny, Maria and Alex. He was "grandaddy" and "grandad-dada" to grandchildren: Aria, Addy, James and Rio.
A celebration of Patrick's life will be held at DYKES FUNERAL HOME, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, on Thursday, December 1, 2022. Visitation with the family will be held from 4:30-7:30 p.m., with a short service beginning at 6:30 p.m., Rev. Douglas Mayer officiating. All are welcome to visit with the family at the Walter home following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a charitable donation to Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso, https://www.oppent.org/fy23donate.
Arrangements made by Dykes Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso IN, (219) 462-3125.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
James Morykin
December 19, 2022
Sorry to hear about the loss of Patrick. I knew him through my sister Joan and had many good times with him while working at Mount Airy in the Poconos. Memory Eternal
Juan
December 2, 2022
Rest in peace He was a great teacher wish i got to see him again since middle school
Victoria Czerpaniak
November 30, 2022
Pat was such a caring, genuine, and generous man. He was all love. He will be dearly missed.
Marty Hyde
November 29, 2022
Thanks for Pat who always had time to stop and chat with his neighbors. Marty and Mary Hyde
Beth and Mike Giacobassi
November 29, 2022
We´ve heard so much about Patrick over the years through Sheila. What an incredibly kind, loving soul he was. He will be greatly missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
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Dykes Funeral Home, Inc.2305 North Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
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