"Patti and Doug, I'm so sorry to here about Wallie. He was and always will be one of the sweetest guys, I've had the pleasure to know. Sincerely, Beth Knotek and family"
In loving memory of
WALTER WACHOWSKI
March 5, 1922 - August 4, 2010
Walter Wachowski, of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, Michigan died peacefully on Wednesday, August 4, 2010.
Walter was born March 15, 1922 in Bay City, Michigan to Anthony and Catherine (Pawlak) Wachowski. Walter finished the 8th grade and due to very large family and the Depression, he quit school to be able to work and help his family. He enlisted in the army to help serve our country during WWII. He then was united in marriage to the love of his life, Patricia (Daley).
Walter worked on the Soo Locks in 1944. Then moved to Swartz Creek, MI and worked for Genesee County Road Commission as a supervisor until retiring.
Since then Walter has been retired for 33 years and enjoyed traveling all over the world with Pat. He became quite the expert in silversmithing and lapidary work as a hobby. He created beautiful jewelry to lovingly give to friends and family. Walter thoroughly loved fishing, entertaining multitudes of friends and family, especially playing cards and dominos for quarters. He loved their retirement homes in Zellwood Station, Florida and Big Manistique Lake in his beloved Upper Peninsula.
Surviving are a daughter, Pattie (Doug) Wilkinson of Gwinn; and a son, Walter (Helen) Wachowski, Jr. of Orangeburg, SC. Walter's wife, Pat preceded him in death 8 years ago. Also surviving are grandchildren, Robynn (Rick) Reid of Mr. Morris, MI, Tim Sutherby of Flint, Michael Wachowski, Angie Bishop and Cassie McFadden; a sister, Dorothy (Jim) Van Hamlin of Essexville, MI; and 6 great-grandchildren, Riley, Madelyn, Alexis, Amanda, Micala and Madison; along with many sister's-in-law, brother's-in-law and nieces and nephews.
Per Walter's request, there will be no funeral or memorial services. His wishes for cremation will be handled by the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home.
Tributes
"Dear Wally, I've known you since I was a little girl when you married my sister, Pat. Life with you was an adventure. You and Pat generously entertained us at your home so many times when we were Kids. We loved getting on that greyhound bus heading for Flint. A lifetime is a long time. We all - all brothers and sisters had great times with you. Your phone calls to me after Patty passed away, full of love and caring. We never forgot you, my dear. You were always close in our hearts and thoughts. Don would look up from his paper about once a week and say "I wonder how Wally's doing. Maybe we'd better call." Soooo we will miss you sorely. Our hearts have a dent in them, painful at your loss. Adieu, our friend. Be with God and those loved ones who have gone before you, BJ and DJ"
"Pattie & Doug- I am so sorry for your loss. I sure do miss wally alot. he sure could make you smile if he new you were sad. miss fixing his pants for him too. my best wish to you all"
"Uncle Wally and Aunt Pat were such a loving and lively couple. They shared a twinkle in their eye together. They put adventure and creativity in everything they did. Growing up, I enjoyed going to their house in Swartz Creek when they'd open it up to the family. I remember climbing trees with Tim on their property and their lovely huge garden. Uncle Wally could always tell a good story, with fever and a few good swear words. And he was a good cook and loving husband to Aunt Pat. I think they set the bar pretty high with their devotion to each other. Aunt Patty and Uncle Wally will always have a place in my heart. God Bless Wally, his family and many friends."
"Walt and Helen: Take care and know that God will take care of you and the family. Remember all the good memories of your loved one to keep you. Thinking and praying for a safe trip. Dolline Tucker SC State University"
"Helen, I am praying for you during your time of bereavement. May God bless you and your family."
"Patti and Doug i was sad to see Wallys Name in the obits today I know he is at peace and with your mom the love of his life he talked about her all the time and the wonderful time they had together.. it was my honor to take care of your Dad when he Lived At Brookridge i will never foreget him and his Smile and his great sense of Humor "Rest in peace Cutie""
"I have such wonderful memories of Uncle Wally and Aunt Pat. Always positive, upbeat, happy and Fun! I'd say Wally lived a good life & is happily reunited with Aunt Patti. Love and Miss You!"
"I will never forget you Uncle Wally. I thought of you picking blueberries this week up near Paradise. You taught this city girl that you could find some truly beautiful things up there in the woods. You even taught my kids a few things too. On learning that you'd passed, my daughter Zoe said, "I'll always remember Wally. He taught me how to wink." Thanks for teaching us all how to wink Wallie and sharing some time with us. We'll miss you."
"Pattie & Doug- I am so sorry for your loss. It was a privelege getting to know Wally when he lived at Brookridge. He was one of the favorites and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. ~Kate"
"I was so saddened this morning when I viewed Wallys obituary. My deepest condolences to Patty and Doug. I will always have fond memories of Wally, because I have known him since I was a child. My family vacationed on Big Manistique Lake and we met him and his wife Patty there. We have remained friends for many years. Wally loved to play "31" and taught my daughter how to play Dominoes. When Wally came to our cabin on the lake he brought smiles and a "lets play cards" attitude. I loved to be at his home on the lake because it was in such a secluded area, with lots of cedars and many hummingbirds. This is a very sad day for the Harrison Family. Wally was truly an honest, loving, kind hearted man."
"Gosh Dad - Doug and I miss you so much already! There will always be a vacant spot in my heart for you. You've been ill with Parkinson's for so long, but you sure never let that intefer with going to have fun, playing cards or domino''s for quarters. Now you are in heaven with Mom dancing beautifully again. Doug and I miss you sitting on our deck sipping a beer or a glass of wine watching the deer and the world go by. So tonight Doug and I will sit on the deck and raise a glass of wine to the BRIGHT new shining star in the night-you. We love you."
"What great memories you and grandma have given me grandpa. You took an eight year old boy with you to Africa, what a trip and I remember all of it. The trips to Disney, all the time spent on Big Lake Manistique. However, the greatest thing you gave to me, to all your family, was your love and how much you loved to spend time with your family. I miss you grandpa....... Lovingly, your grandson, Timmy"
"Hey Handsome, I recall on one of my first visits with you and 'Mom Wachowski,' I asked what she would like for me to call you both. She said "How about Mom and Dad?" What a treasure to have had you both in my life for the time I did. You both welcomed me with open arms. I'll miss our visits in Florida, up North and when you came to visit us; our talks on the phone; your jokes; playing cards & dominos; eating out with or at the ladies' homes; and your smile - what a smile! And I'll never forget you and Walter trying to convince me I had eaten a deer burger at the Lake - always a teaser - always such a gentle soul - always in our hearts. We made so many memories in such a short time. So, tonight Pattie and Doug, when you raise your glasses to that bright new star in the sky, Walter and I will do the same; and whenever we look up at the sky, wherever we are, we see the same stars, some brighter than others. You will definitely be one of the brightest! Love you and miss you lots."
"Hey Daddy, It's your son Wally Jr. sending a note to tell you how much I love and miss you. There are no words to express my loss. You were a great man, a loving and adoring man that stood by his wife and took diligent care of her in sickness and in health. You never wanted for yourself - only for Mama's happiness. You took her around the world and back. You both had so very many friends, who all loved and adored and miss you very much, as do I. Your pain is over, and I know you and Mama are taking drives thru the woods, then looking for an ice cream parlor in the sky. Everyone who knew you both is fortunate for having known such an exceptional couple. While all family and friends grieve for the loss of such a great couple, we know the two of you are walking hand in hand, admiring all the beautiful things in Heaven. Mama's been waiting a long time to see you again, and I can see the smile on her face as I write. God Bless and Keep you. All my love forever, Your Son"
"Grandpa, you left this world to go to a better place. I miss you so very much. You have been my greatest inspiration and the best rolemodel. I have tried to model myself after you. I treasure the memories of the time we spent together. You always had time to make everything fun. I have so many great memories of you and Grandma and the love you shared. I will always love you and carry you in my heart. Tell Grandma hello from me. Give her a big hug and tell her that I love her. Love Always, You Grandson, Michael Wachowski"
"I'm so sorry for your loss. I helped with the Care of Walter while he was at ENC. I will never forget him, he touched my heart. God Bless. Laurie"
"Walter was such a sweet man. Although he was only at Jacobetti for a short time he was loved so much there. He will be sadly missed!! Walter and family are in my thoughts and prayers."