Obituary for Raymond J. "Ray" Walter

He was born October 25, 1936, in Hokah, Minn., to Emil and Anna Walter. Ray attended St. Pete’s Catholic School in Hokah and graduated from Melrose-Mindoro High School. He married Jean McCollough on May 9, 1959 in Tomah, Wis., and they shared 63 years of marriage.

Following his graduation, Ray enlisted in the United States Army in 1954; serving in Korea during the Vietnam Era in the demilitarized zone. He was honorably discharged in 1957.

Ray worked for 40 years at Walt Hammond Buick in La Crosse as parts manager. He was later employed at Clason’s Buick GMC in La Crosse where he retired.

Ray was an active member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in West Salem (now, St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish), the KC Club in La Crosse, the West Salem Lions Club, West Investment Club, and the Berg-Hemker-Olson American Legion Post 51 of West Salem. Ray enjoyed his poker club immensely. This club was created by a group of men, in Ray and Jean’s kitchen, one night while the ladies were over at church cooking and serving food at the church dinner. This group of men formed lifelong friendships that were very important to Ray.

Ray also enjoyed camping and traveling with the Re-Laxin’ Campers. He will be remembered by his hard-work ethic and devotion to his family.

Survivors include his wife, Jean; daughters, Deanne Walter and Lisa (Tom) Cornette; three grandchildren, Brittney (Sean) Johnson and Isabella and Caden Cornette; sister, Irene Jiracek; sisters-in-law Arlene Walter and Beverly McCollough; brother-in-law, Verlin Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many special friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 30, 2022, at St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish in West Salem. Msgr. Jeffrey Burrill will celebrate. Burial will follow in Neshonoc Cemetery, with military honors to be rendered by the American Legion Post 51 of West Salem and the United States Army Funeral Honor Guard. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m., until the time of Mass, Friday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish in West Salem, or the Berg-Hemker-Olson American Legion Post 51 of West Salem.

Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Jostad Chapel, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements.