Walter L. Edwards

Walter (Walt) Lawrence Edwards, age 78, of Appleton, passed away at home on December 31, 2020 after a short battle with cancer. His wife Dona was at his side.

Walt was born in Ironwood, Michigan on December 27, 1942 to Melvin and Dorothy Edwards. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Dona; two sons, Brett (Laurie) Edwards and their children Lake and Nicholas; Scott (Amber) Edwards and their children, Dougal, Angus, Nyssa, and Skadi; two stepsons, Scott (Michele) Hietpas and their children, Michael, Jennifer, Megan, Mary, and Jeffrey; Gregg (Shari) Hietpas and their children, Grant, Jack, and Lucas; a sister Nancy (Jim) Sertic and a brother-in-law John Redmond. He was preceded in death by his father Melvin, mother Dorothy, his sister Judy Redmond and his favorite dog, Burt.

Following his graduation from Northern Michigan University he spent time in the manufacturing sector at the Kelley Company in Milwaukee prior to coming to Appleton. He had a long career at Appleton Medical Center leaving as President in 1997 followed by two years at the ThedaCare corporate headquarters. He was Past President of the Wisconsin Chapter of Hospital Financial Management Association, served on the Wisconsin Hospital Rate Review Committee, Past President of Appleton Rotary West where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, Chairman of the Appleton Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Board of Personnel at Faith Lutheran Church. Following his career in health care he consulted with many organizations and physician groups.

Walt loved the water and learned how to captain boats from his father, a commercial fisherman on Lake Superior.  In 2003, Walt earned a 100 Ton U.S. Coast Guard Captains License.  Walt and Dona enjoyed many summers in Door County.

A memorial service for Walt will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Faith Lutheran Church, located at 601 E. Glendale Avenue in Appleton, with Rev. Paul Brinkman and Rev. Adam Bridgman officiating.  Inurnment will take place at Highland Memorial Park.   If you plan to attend the service, masks and safe distancing will be required.

If you are unable to attend, you may view the entire service by visiting https://faithfoxvalley2.online.church/

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome in Walt’s name to the Fox Valley Humane Society, ThedaCare at Home Hospice, or Faith Lutheran Church.

For more information or to share a memory with the family, please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.