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BORN
1932
DIED
2016
Walter Umenhofer Obituary
August 12, 1932 -
January 11, 2016
Walt was born in Westview, Pennsylvania. He was a first generation American from a German family and spoke little English until he went to school.
He left home at the age of fourteen and began a lifetime of adventure. He was Merchant Marine, a soldier, a pilot, a structural engineer, a Lane County Deputy Sheriff and a business owner. He oversaw the construction of seven charcoal briquette plants across the United States. In 1966 he came to Springfield, Oregon where he built and operated the Kingsford briquette plant. It is still in operation. In 1970, he accepted the position of Vice President of Process Engineering for Kingsford and moved to Louisville, Kentucky. When Kingsford sold to a large corporation, Walt returned to Springfield which had become home to him.
From the time he was a boy he had a passionate interest in firearms and antiques. The resulting collection prompted him to go into business. In 1992, with his wife Gayle, he opened The Baron's Den. In 1996 the business was expanded to include an indoor shooting range. He remained active there for the rest of his life.
He was brash, opinionated, irreverent, kind and wonderfully generous. He never met a dog he didn't like or a dog that didn't like him.
He is survived by his wife Gayle Umenhofer, his brother Lawrence Umenhofer (Shirley), his daughters Judith Lucie (Gary Stewart, deceased) and Andrea Umenhofer (Jeff Nelson), his sons Kelly, Dan (Lori), John (Kathie) and Eric Umenhofer; his grand-children Jesse Stewart (Alison) and Nikkol Thomas (Jason); Kristine and Jarred Umenhofer; David, Jaclyn and Erik Umenhofer; Jordan and Samuel Winczewski; and great grandson, Riley Stewart.
At his request there will be no services.
In lieu of donations follow his example and take care of someone you know that needs help.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Umenhofer
Dan Damon
September 9, 2024
Too many to single any one memory out.
Larry Taylor, KEZI-TV news reporter
December 4, 2020
I was there in 1970 when Walter's new car was flattened by a hunk of falling whale blubber, the result of the highway department blowing up a dead whale on the beach with dynamite. I have video of him describing the event.
Gary Lane
September 9, 2017
I shared his love of large scale model trains. We shared laughs over his exploding whale flattened car. He did warn ODOT crew engineer that based on Walt's WWII demolition experiences, the explosion would form a perfect cone in the sand then sever and launch large chunks of whale up to .5 miles distant. Baron's Den has been a great store for decades. May your family have many warm memories of your life for decades to come.
Bobbie macri mercer pa.
May 26, 2017
So sorry to hear this. Bobbie macri...clara*s friend
Paul M
February 11, 2016
Walt is one of the supermen I learned much from and will always remember him fondly.
My condolences to the Family.
PDM
Gary Franks
February 10, 2016
Walt was a good friend and mentor,met him when he moved to Oregon, worked with him and for him and always admired him. Hope they have guns and cigars where he's gone.Will miss him always.
February 7, 2016
Dear Gayle & family,
we send you our sincere condolences. We will always remember our uncle Walt as a very generous and warm hearted man. When we were children and Walt and you came to visit us in Glochen, we were always very excited and so proud of our American uncle. We have in mind how Walt and our father, his cousin Franz, drove on the tractor togehter. They both shared the same hobby: they were fond of weapons. Thank you for your hospitality when visiting you in Portland, we are keeping wonderful memories of the time spent with Walt and the whole Umenhofer family.
Emma, Rita, Ruth & Laura Ummenhofer
Ron LaFleur
January 25, 2016
Walt left an impression on me which I still feel today. A great father and a wonderful Family. He truly was one of the good ones.
Donald Puchaty
January 24, 2016
While living in Eugene I could visit the Barons Den, share his fellowship, be entertained listening to Walt's adventures, shoot a machine gun and share a cigar! Whadda guy! An authentic character right out of a novel. Condolences to Gayle and extended family. Donald Puchaty
Jim Antonini
January 21, 2016
Gayle and Family: I am sorry for your loss.
Mark London
January 19, 2016
I was very sorry to hear of Walt's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I first met Walt at American Sheet Metal in the 1970's, where we worked with him on briquette plants. From day one, we knew Walt was a very unique, interesting man, always enjoyable to be around. Over the years, we crossed paths several times, and Walt always had a kind word. He will be missed!
January 19, 2016
An honest generous gentleman who knew which people were his friends and how to be one. I always smiled at the way he greeted me and will miss them and him. Frank Papagni, Eugene, Oregon
Bob Antoine
January 19, 2016
Walt was larger than life and his passing leaves a hole that can't be filled. To his family, I am sorry for your loss but know that you all have a vast storehouse of memories with him.
Bud Smith
January 19, 2016
I have thought of you often since we met and have re-told many of your stories. I will continue to do so with a smile.
Hasta luego, Amigo!
Sean Smith
January 19, 2016
Such a loss! He's been one of my favorites since the day I met him, and always will be. There just aren't enough like him in the world, which makes the loss of each so much harder.
Donna Courtell
January 19, 2016
So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to the family.
Hildegard Strobel
January 19, 2016
Our sincerest condolences from everyone at the Minigolf in Langenau, Germany.
Anita + Frank and children
Wolfgang + Carmen and children
Thomas + Wife
Craig Mohler
January 18, 2016
One of the nicest, most generous men ever. He will be missed.
Zach Fish
January 17, 2016
Walt always had time to tell you a story and was quick to offer you a seat and a cigar. He was a kind man and was very generous to my children. We will miss him very much.
Robert Heurgue
January 17, 2016
It was very sad news to learn that Walter has left us. It will now be difficult for me to visit the Baron's Den and not see his friendly and smiling face.
I offer me sincere condolence to his lovely wife Gayle
David Schmunk
January 17, 2016
The Walt I knew was larger than life: Tool around town in a tank, design a briquette furnace off the top of his head, and have a chunk of blubber crush his new Oldsmobile. Epic life.
Stephen Young
January 17, 2016
He will be missed.......I loved that man
Stephen Young
January 17, 2016
Loved that man.....He will be missed..
January 17, 2016
When I joined The Baron's Den many, many years ago, Walt said, "I think you'll like it here!" He was so, so right! He was a reservoir of amusing and astounding life tales and a generous man when you least expected it. I will certainly miss those interesting conversations at "The Den."
Charlene Sabini/SiG Lady
JoAnne Saylor
January 17, 2016
Even though I have been on the other side of the country, Uncle Walts words to me helped me live my life. God Bless him and all of you... You were blessed..
Susanne and Randy Stender
January 17, 2016
Dan and Lori, what a wonderful obit. He certainly lived a big life! So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and warm wishes for you and your family.
January 17, 2016
Great man, he will be missed. The Jack Bessett Family
Mark Richanbach
January 17, 2016
To say Walt had a penchant for stating the obvious..is well...obvious to those who knew and loved him. The best part about listening to stories from Walt is that his life was full of truly incredible experiences. He never needed to embellish a single word to fascinate us all.
Walt will always be remembered with great fondness and affection.
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