Dr. Walter Eugene Thatcher

1927 - 2022

Walter "Drizz" passed away December 18, 2022 at his home in Edina, MN of natural causes at the age of 95.

He was born in Evanston, IL, January 22, 1927 and forever remained true to the Blackhawks and Cubs. Walter graduated from New Trier High School and enrolled at Northwestern University but withdrew in good standing to join the Navy. He served from March 1945-July 1946 reaching the rank of Aviation Radioman third class and was honorably discharged due to his only sibling killed during WWII. Walter went on to graduate from Northwestern University earning his BS degree in Liberal Arts, then continued at the University of Illinois, earning his MS degree, then PhD in Philosophy of Chemistry. Walter moved to Minnesota to start his lifelong career at 3M in St. Paul as a Senior Chemist in the Analytical section (1954-1991).

He made the most of the seasons, enjoying hockey, golf, skiing, bowling, kayaking, and fishing. Walter was musically inclined (playing the bass fiddle and piano), and was an avid reader and chess player. He passed along many of these talents and passions to his children.

Walter was preceded in death by brother, Richard "Dick" Thatcher; mother, Lillian (Pan) Evarts; father, Everett Thatcher; first born, Richard Thatcher and grandson, Christian Thatcher; first wife, Marion L. Place (Thatcher-Etchells); second wife, Janet Gehlsen (Hale-Thatcher); brother-in-law and forever friend, Lewis N. Place; and mother-in-law, Marion C. Place.

Walter is survived by his sons, Clifford, Thomas, Todd, Bill, Mitchell, Kenneth (Hale) Thatcher; daughters, Christine Koehler, Linda, Patricia, Becky Borsheim; daughter-in-law, Lindi (Richard Thatcher); grandchildren, Jennifer Koehler (Cain), Timothy Koehler, Holly (Isham), Becky Thatcher, Brooklyn Borsheim; great grandchildren, Kolton and Abbott (Cain), Lyra and Cindel Koehler, Luella Isham; and wife, Joan (Sewall) Thatcher; step-sons, Christopher, Barry, Cary Sewall; and step-grandsons, Ryan, Matt, Kyle and Collin Sewall. Walter is also survived by his "angels on earth." These were Walter's longterm caregivers who made his last few years memorable and filled with heartfelt care, laughter and love: daughter Linda, niece Holly, Jeanine Barrett, Kim Kotila, Kelly Kalthoff, Marija Knezevich and Alesha Bruggraff.

Celebration of life will be June 24, 2023 at Bradshaw Funeral Home, Stillwater, MN. Private burial will follow in Illinois where he will be laid to rest alongside his brother, pop, and mom.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to a charity of your choice in Walter's name is appreciated.