Michael C. Walter

Michael Cowan Walter, age 74, went to be with the Lord on October 3, 2016. He was born in Green Bay on December 13, 1941, the second child of seven to John and Mary (Minahan) Walter. He was a graduate of DePere High School and Lawrence College (now University) and also attended the University of Missouri School of Law. As a medical corpsman in the Wisconsin Army National Guard he helped safeguard Milwaukee and Madison in the days following the Kent State shootings and was honorably discharged as specialist 6th class.

Through the years he was involved in his church and community, including the Wisconsin Arts Board and the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.

Mike was a lover of two Words: Jesus the living Word, as revealed in his favorite Bible passage, John chapter 1, and the written English word, as evidenced by his over 30 years, mostly in the editorial department, at the (Appleton) Post-Crescent, where he oversaw the various news departments and penned hundreds of editorials, political endorsements, and Sunday columns.

He will be remembered for his love of travel, especially to Europe and Florida; history, especially of his family, including all things Ireland and Titanic (he wrote a deeply-researched book of his family's genealogy); reading, including the Bible, historical fiction and non-fiction, and his son's writing; the French and Latin languages; cards, especially Estimate and bridge; liver and onions, crab cakes, his son's Colonel Mustard Caesar salad, and nutty ice creams; the color green; bright ties; crossword puzzles; biking; and running (Mike ran two full marathons and, famously, part of the 1982 Boston Marathon, where he reached the finish line just in time to witness the legendary Duel in the Sun sprint finish).

Mike is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen Dawn Gruenwald Walter, Neenah, and their son, Erick Geoffrey Walter, Janesville; six siblings, Wendy (Joe) Hopfensperger, Appleton; Dinah Walter, Fairfax, Virginia, Anthony (Jenny) Walter, Madison, Heidi Walter, Evanston, Illinois, Tara Walter Cameron, Evergreen, Colorado, and Rory Walter, Green Bay; and fourteen nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John in 1959 and Mary in 1983.

A memorial service for Mike will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, October 15, at the church he literally helped to build, Christus Church, Highway 15 and Julius Drive, Greenville, with Pastor Jennifer Christenson officiating.

Any donations will be sent to Pastor Paul and Becky Abel, missionaries in Brazil.

Blessings to all the special “angels” who surrounded Mike with loving care.