Walter I. Anderson

Lt. Cmdr. Walter I. Anderson USN (Ret.), a former long-time resident of Falls Church, VA died peacefully on April 5, 2025, aged 90, with his loving children at his side.

Walter was born May 11, 1934, in Chicago, to Karl and Astrid Anderson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean, by his parents, his sister, Martha Gordon, and his daughter, Karen Stratton.

He is survived by his children, Steven Anderson (Clara) of St. Louis, and Linda Anderson of San Francisco; his eight grandchildren: Melissa Callahan (Ryan), Stacey Willenborg (Mike), Mallory Hylton (Ryan), Rachel Shaffer (Kevin), Taylor Stratton, Joseph Stratton Jr., Bailey Prather (Rick) and Natalie Stratton; and his 10 great-grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Walt embraced his Swedish heritage. As an adult, he studied for more than 30 years at the Swedish School/ Svenska Skolan first based in Bethesda then later in Falls Church. In 2015 and 2017 he visited Sweden with his children, making meaningful family introductions.

Walt joined the Navy ROTC while in college in Chicago and U.S. Navy on graduation. He was then stationed in Southern California, where he met and married the love of his life, Jean, in 1959. They would travel the world together for almost four decades and have three beloved children. They lived in Troy, NY; Rota, Spain; Mechanicsburg, PA; Guam, MI; and for over 35 years in Falls Church. He also did a tour in Vietnam in 1965-66. He was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation with Bronze Star, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and a Vietnam Campaign Medal. He retired from the Navy in 1976 and retired fully in 1986 to care for his ailing wife until her passing in 1997.

In 2008, he moved to Virginia Beach to be near Karen and her family (son-in-law Joseph R. Stratton) where he enjoyed supporting the grandchildren's school and other activities. In May 2024, the entire family was able to gather there to celebrate his 90th birthday.

He will be buried in a private service at Arlington National Cemetery, where his wife is interred. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 3022 Woodlawn Ave., Falls Church. The family will receive guests at a light lunch reception in the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/why-give ) or the Rheumatology Research Foundation(https://www.rheumresearch.org/donate).