John E. Walter

John E. Walter, 98, Appleton, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 30, 2011, at Living Tree Estates, Greenville. He was born March 13, 1913 in Appleton, son of George and Anna (Bartman) Walter. Love of dance brought John and his wife Eunice together and they were married on September 2, 1939 at St. Joseph Church, Appleton. John was a lifetime member of the Secular Third Order of St. Francis. He was also a charter member of St. Bernard's Parish, Appleton. John was employed as a welder for Kimberly Clark Corporation, Field Service Division for over 30 years and previously had worked for Fox Tractor and Kewanee Ship Yards during WWII. His early working days were spent with his family working at Geo. Walter Brewing Co. He loved his volunteer time at St. Vincent De Paul and St. Joseph Food Pantry and held a special place in his heart for the people he met and helped. He was a compassionate role model for his children and others and had a selfless dedication to his family. John shared his Christian faith and unconditional love with all.

He shared his love of the outdoors and nature with all of his family and everyone he knew and their experiences together will be passed on for generations. He cherished the friendships he made over the years as he spent time on the Wolf River property and spring walleye fishing on the raft. He was an avid duck hunter, fisherman and deer hunting was his passion. The necessity of a garden to feed the family turned into a love and appreciation of plants and all growing things and all of the above were reflected in his artwork and drawings.

John was a great story teller. He shared his love of reading with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they always knew he had a spot on his lap to share a book or hear a story from him. The family enjoyed hearing him play his harmonica and of course, telling jokes.

John is survived by his 11 children: Sharon (Jim) Hansen, Fresno, California, John (Chris) Walter, Appleton, Helen Schmidt, Houston, Texas, Gloria Zabinske, Appleton, Jim (Pat) Walter, Dale, Barb (Harry) Thiel, Appleton, Bill (Sheri) Walter, Appleton, Carol (Don) Bishop, Appleton, Connie (Robert) Smith, Hortonville, Steve (Susan) Walter, Fremont and Kathy (Andrew) Blakeslee, Appleton; 45 grandchildren: Julie Schrey, Karin Harrell, Chris Hansen, Tim Hansen, Beth Matthews, Kevin Hansen, Katie Hansen, Candice Walter, Scott, Walter, Travis Walter, Stephen Schmidt, Erich Schmidt, Dawneen Zabinske-Smith, Deanna Friday, Jeanine Zabinske, Jimmy Walter, Randy Walter, Paul Thiel, Jenny Wirth, Tony Thiel, Katie Thiel, Sam Thiel, Vickie Walter, Trisha Malliet, Amanda Wells, Jason Burke, Laura Nelson, Linda Lucy, Jason Bishop, Tommy Bishop, Andy Hanke, Adam Hanke, Erik Smith, Jenny Smith, Jonathan Graham, Justin Graham, Luke Walter, Kyle Kositzke, Kourtney Kositzke, Kory Kositzke, Kim Kositzke, Kera Blakeslee, Amanda Oljuskin, Amber Blakeslee and Joshua Blakeslee. John was also blessed with 51 great grandchildren. John is further survived by one sister, Jean Schommer, Appleton, brother and sisters-in-law: Virginia Sass, Appleton, Leroy (Joanne) Belling, Appleton, Carol (Fred) Weiss, Michigan City, Indiana, Clarice Belling, Appleton and Frannie Schmoll, New London and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Eunice, sisters and brothers: Helen Muench, George Walter, Leona Walter, Margaret Walter, Henry Walter and Rose Krahn; his father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Helen Belling and brother and sisters-in-law: Jack (Eileen) Belling, Jim Belling, Delores (Vince) Truex and Donald Belling; son-in-law, Helmut Schmidt and grandson, Michael Hansen.

The family would like to thank Jackie, Tom, Kathy and George and the outstanding staff of Living Tree Estates, Heartland Hospice and all the caregivers who have cared and supported our family over the past years.

A Mass of Resurrection for John will be held at 11:00 am Monday, December 5, 2011 at St. Bernard Catholic Church (1617 W. Pine St.) in Appleton with Rev. Dennis Ryan officiating. Entombment will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. Friends may visit the family on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at the funeral home from 5 -7 pm with a prayer service beginning at 7 pm. There will also be one hour of visitation at church on Monday prior to the mass. A full obituary will be in Saturday's edition

Brettschneider-Trettin-Lederer

606 N. Oneida St.

Appleton, WI

733-7383

www.btlfuneral.com