Michael "Mike" Roy Walter, age 73, passed away on October 18, 2018, at the UW Health University Hospital in Madison, WI after surgeries related to a connective tissue disease, while surrounded by loved ones.
He was born on June 19, 1945, in Connersville, IN, the older of two sons of Roy and Glenna (Poe) Walter, who were originally from Oshkosh, WI and West Virginia respectively. Mike's father was a career Army officer and the family lived in several U.S. states, Germany, and Japan.
Mike joined the Navy in 1963 after graduating high school. On June 25, 1966, in San Francisco, he married Sarah Jean (Green) Walter. In 1970 he and Sarah welcomed their only child, Jen Walter. During his 20-year Navy career, Mike served on seven naval vessels and at two naval facilities, and saw 37 countries. He retired as a Vietnam era veteran in 1983, at age 38, settling in Winneconne, WI.
He earned a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Accounting and Management Information Systems in 1986 and entered a career in medical management, primarily at ThedaCare Physicians in Appleton. He retired again in 2008. His wife, Sarah, passed away 5 years later after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mike went on to pursue his love of travel full time, driving an RV throughout the U.S. and visiting more countries. Throughout his life, he saw all 50 states and every part of the world except Antarctica.
As a teen, Mike was an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He was an active member of Free & Accepted Masons of Wisconsin, served as Grand Treasurer of Masons in Wisconsin for seven years, and a member of Shriners International. He was founding president of the Winneconne Kiwanis Club and a member of the American Legion. In addition, Mike enjoyed photography and participating in many outdoor activities including professional walleye tournaments.
His parents and all aunts and uncles preceded Mike in death.
He is survived by his daughter, Jen Walter and her husband Damon, of Palatine, IL; brother, Jim (Judy) Walter, of Halfway, MO; loving friend, Jeanie Angell; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A private service with military honors and burial will be held at the Winneconne Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018, from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Biggar's Supper Club, 204 W. Main St, Winneconne. Mike was a big Packer fan and attendees are encouraged to wear Packer colors.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages (tax-deductible) contributions to the Wisconsin
Masonic Foundation (https://memberswisc-freemasonry.org/contact-us/), P.O. Box 67, Dousman, WI 53118.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.