Walter 'Walt' Francis Spindler passed away unexpectedly Friday morning, August 16, 2024, at Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield, MN, from sudden cardiac arrest.
Walt was born November 24, 1946, to parents Francis 'Frank' W. Spindler and Irene J. (Warner), in Owatonna, MN. He grew up a devout Catholic and hard worker on his family's generational farm near Pratt, MN, along with his five siblings.
After graduating from Marian High School in Owatonna, he earned his B.S. in Physics and Math from St. John's University. As a 'Johnnie', he attended a co-ed ski social with the 'Katies' (College of St. Catherine), where he met the love of his life, Joan Deneau. Walt would later describe their meeting as fate, because neither of them have skied to this day. Walt and Joan bonded over their Catholic faith and love for life - they married on June 13, 1970, and their romance endured for over 54 years. While teaching high school science in Fairfax MN, Walt decided to go back to school at University of Wisconsin-Superior to earn his M.S. in Science Education.
As a young couple, Walt and Joan 'hit the road' transporting a Wenger Show-Mobile across the country for 3M, setting the precedent to travel and explore life together. Following their time on the road, Walt accepted a job at Wenger, and the couple moved back to Owatonna to buy the house where they raised their sons Mark and Philip. Walt and Joan enjoyed camping, fishing and attending music festivals. A passionate photographer, Walt documented all of their adventures, including trips to bluegrass festivals, numerous excursions to Alaska exploring and enjoying the outdoors with their son Mark and his family, and their epic journey to Antarctica to visit their son Philip working at Palmer Station. His spectacular collection of photos and videos has captured it all.
Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Walt remembers that he also never failed to treasure the everyday and intimate moments of life. His joy for life was infectious, and he shared it all with his friends and family - playing games, practical jokes, and best of all his sense of humor. There was never a family get-together that did not include copious amounts of music, teasing, and tournaments.
Committed to a life of service, Walt was active in the Jaycees until he aged out of the organization at 36, he then joined the Knights of Columbus, where he was proud to achieve the level of 4th Degree Knighthood. As a Knight, he helped found Smokin' in Steele, an annual music festival and BBQ contest, which raises money for local charitable organizations. In later years, Walt became treasurer of the local Izaak Walton League. Following the death of their grandson, Tidal, Walt and Joan helped organize the Owatonna chapter of The Compassionate Friends. For the rest of his life, Walt was committed to guiding and supporting people in grief, carrying Tidal in his heart in everything he did. He leaves behind a community that is better because of his service, a family that is stronger because of his love, and a world that is richer because of his kindness.
He is held in loving memory and survived by his wife Joan; sons Mark (Hannah) and Philip (Jaimi); granddaughters Skye and Emerald; brother Duane (Kathy); sister Rosemary (Ivan Snorek); nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends, and the community he cultivated in Owatonna at large.
A Knights of Columbus Rosary was prayed at the funeral home and Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Owatonna. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna. |