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Walter Zahnd Obituary
Walter Zahnd, born in Switzerland on December 22, 1927, passed away peacefully at age 86 on December 12, 2014, to join Pauline Lucille Zahnd, his beloved wife of many years, who passed away shortly before him on November 3, 2014 at age 93. Pauline was born in Canada on June 22, 1921 (maiden name Collin), and is survived by her daughter, Pauline S. Lagace, and grandson, Bernard Lagace, of Montreal, Canada. Walter is survived by his sisters, Elsbeth Zahnd-Klug and Rita Zahnd-Seewer, of Switzerland.
Pauline came to Reno in 1953 and worked as a dealer at Harold's Club, where she met and married Walter, a maitre d' at the Mapes. Besides the Mapes, Walter also worked at Eugene's Restaurant. Walter became a part-owner of Eugene's Restaurant, and after Eugene's was sold, Walter opened and operated a new restaurant with his good friend, Joe Derungs, known as the Galena Forest Inn until his retirement. Both restaurants were very successful.
A memorial service for Walter and Pauline Zahnd will be held at O'Brien, Rogers & Crosby Funeral Home, 600 West 2nd Street, Reno, on Monday, December 29, 2014 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception at the residence of Don Richter, 2130 Richter Drive, Reno.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Zahnd
1 Entry
Joseph J. Bell, accepting the ACFLS Sterling Award, Dec. 2014
Joseph Bell
December 28, 2014
I was a young student when I began washing dishes then graduated to being busboy at Eugene's restaurant. It was an exotic and disciplined experience I will never forget. Walter, Rene and Raymond (the chefs) ran a tight ship and tolerated no sloppiness. We wore white jackets, black pants and tie; shoes had to be shined. Eventually, after learning the menu, service skills and the many regular customers, I got to wear the red toreador top of a waiter. And we all hoisted full trays over the shoulder. The restaurant was unique in Reno at the time and the work was exhausting. Despite their gruff facade, Walter (and Rene and Raymond) had warm hearts and superior professional skills. After I had moved from Reno and returned to visit, I saw Walter many times, often working in his yard. I shared stories of how I used the waiter's skills he taught me to pay for law school in San Francisco. My experience at Eugene's also set me on a course to be an amateur chef, but always with the attention to detail of a professional. I regret that I cannot be present for the memorial, but I am deeply thankful I knew and worked for this fine man.
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Walton's Funerals & Cremations - O’Brien-Rogers & Crosby600 West 2nd Street, Reno, NV 89503
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