Robert Lynn Walter, age 76, Town of Vinland, (formerly of Appleton) passed away at home on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born November 10,1941 in Peoria, IL to the late Robert and Jeanette (Noble) Walter. Bob graduated from Peoria High School in 1960 before entering military service.
Bob was introduced by his sister, Jan, to her close friend, Barbara Hamm and they were later wed on February 10, 1968. Bob made the insurance business his lifelong occupation insuring families throughout the Fox River Valley for over 40 years. Bob owned The Bob Walter Insurance Agency until February 2015 when it became the Diedrich Family Insurance Agency.
Bob was an Allstate and American Family agent before becoming an independent agent. Bob was an early leader in the National Association of American Family Agents (NAAFA). Bob served his country from 1960-1964 in the US Air Force, including one year in Morocco.
After leaving the service Bob found his first career with the JC Penney Co. which led him to Appleton where he and Barb made their home for 50 years. Bob’s passion and hobbies were dedicated to Boy Scout Troop 67 in Appleton (37 years) and teaching his grandchildren the sport of fishing. Bob was a member of the Fox Valley Sports Shooting Club, the Northside Kiwanis Club, and a charter member of the Menasha Lions Club.
He was a former member of St. James Methodist Church in Appleton. He served his community through the American Red Cross as a CPR instructor and received the Red Cross Volunteer of the Year award in 1980. Bob will be greatly missed by his partner Susan Forbes of the Town of Vinland, children: Rob (Sarah) Walter of Appleton, Kelly Smith of Kaukauna; son-in-law Scott Smith of Neenah; three grandchildren: Cory and Amanda Smith and Alex Walter; 3 step grandchildren: Daisy, Shawn, and Skye; brother-in-law Rick (Betty) Hamm of Lake Bloomington, Illinois and their children and grandchild, Adam (Heather) and their son Cooper, and Stacey; and sister Jan(John), of Nevada and their children Jae Ann (Cory) Smith of Ohio and Kai (Jess) Thietje of Minnesota.
Bob is also survived by his friend since childhood, Dave (Patti) Blanchard of Peoria, Illinois. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his parents, and his parents-in-law Kenny and Jane Hamm. A service to Celebrate Bob’s Life will be held on Monday, June 4, 2018, at 6pm at Brettschneider Trettin Nickel Funeral Chapel, with the Reverend Rose McCurdy officiating.
Friends may visit the family from 4 – 6pm. A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery on Tuesday, June 5 at 10am. In lieu of flowers the family would like to honor Bob with memorials to the organizations he chose, Boy Scout Troop 67, (109 E, Atlantic St, Appleton, WI 54911), or First Presbyterian Church of Winneconne, (32 South 3rd Avenue, Winneconne, WI 54986).
Heartfelt thanks to Bob’s caregivers, Lena, Shelley, Breanna, Terrie, Beth, Alycia, and Kathy. Also, many thanks for the kindness and valiant effort of the FVHO physicians and staff who worked with Bob since 2009.
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