Jean Walther
April 15, 1927 - April 26, 2015
Obituary
MADISON-Jean Faye Walther, age 88, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at Girlie's Manor in Cross Plains. Jean was born in Lena, Wis., on April 15, 1927 to William L. and Ida Pearl (Leigh) Chesley. She attended grade school and high school in Lena until 1943 when the family moved to Oconto. Jean graduated from Oconto High School in 1945. She then attended the Vocational School in Green Bay and worked in the Green Bay area, Denver, Colorado, Milwaukee and Platteville. On November 28, 1953 she married Paul R. Walther at the Oconto Methodist Church and they made their home in Platteville for the next 40 years. To this union three children were born Paula, Richard and Pamela. Jean was a member of the Platteville Methodist Church and a longtime member of the Mary Circle. Jean worked at the University of Wisconsin Platteville food service from 1975 until retiring in 1990. She especially enjoyed serving the Chicago Bears during training camp. After retiring Jean and Paul spent their winters in Texas, Arizona and Florida. In 1993 they moved to the Madison area to be near family and at that time they joined Asbury United Methodist Church where Jean enjoyed sending out the weekly Church newsletter. Jean enjoyed traveling and spectator sports, but truly treasured most the time she spent with family. Jean is survived by her three children, Paula (Herbert "Butch") Werla Jr., Richard Walther and Pamela (Michael) Olson; two granddaughters, Hayley Werla and Callie Olson; a sister, Illma Young; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Walther and Mary (Jerry) Sturm and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Paul Walther in 2013, her parents, two sisters, Edith Pries, Apphia Lovison and two brothers Charles in infancy and Lauron Chesley. Memorial services will be held at ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 6101 University Ave., Madison at 10 AM on Saturday May 2, 2015 with the Reverend Harold Zimmick presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton from 5 PM until 7 PM on Friday, May 1, 2015 and also on Saturday from 9 AM until the time of the service at the church. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the people who supported the family through Jean's journey with dementia, Teri Patwell of Dean Clinic; Doug and the staff at Girlie's Manor, Cross Plains and to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.Gunderson WestFuneral & Cremation Care7435 University Avenue(608)831-6761
Events
Memorial Gathering
Sat May 2, 2015 @ 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM CDT
Asbury United Methodist Church (Madison) • 6101 University Avenue, Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of Jean have been shared yet.
Memories
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Gail
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Dear Paula, Dick and Pam
My heartfelt sympathies to you all. Your mother lived a good life. I remember her as being a very sweet and gentle lady with a nice chuckle and warm smile. May your memories and faith give you comfort at this time. Thinking of you all. Gail Walther DeAlba
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Kathy Bartlett
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I am so sorry to hear of Jean's death. I will always have fond memories of the time I spent with both her and Paul. Lots of fun being on the "Circuit Crew" at Asbury. I know in my heart that she and Paul are together once again. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Your mother was indeed a special person and I feel blessed to have had her in my life.
Kathy Bartlett
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Lynne Leedle
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Paula, Richard and Pam,
Stan and I send our sincere condolences to you and your families. Your mom was our "aunt" and she always made our family feel welcome during our many childhood visits to Platteville. When I was in college, seeing Jean in the food service line at UW-Platteville, and later on working at her side, was like having a bit of home away from home. I will cherish the memories of her warm smile and endearing chuckle. Lynne (Walther) Leedle
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Barb Anderson
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I'm thinking of the Walther family as you cherish the memories of your mom. I remember her wonderful smile, laugh and her gentle/quiet manner. We had a great neighborhood and I have fun telling stories of those crazy times with everyone. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all of you! Barb (Heim) Anderson
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Lois Busby
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To the Jean Walther Family:
I was so sorry to read of the loss of Jean. She and Paul were great neighbors. I will keep you in my prayers. Sincerely, Lois Busby
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Carolyn Schuldt
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Mrs. Walther's passing was sad to me as I babysat the three children when they resided in Platteville where I grew up and still maintain family home though I reside in Peoria.....they were such a kind family and his parents owned the Walther Dairy; we Methodists were a closely knit group "back in the days"...such fond memories of them. Having graduated from PHS in 1960, I miss all the wonderful people who were good friends when I grew up. Sincere sympathy (and empathy) to the family as I lost my mom, Zelma, eight years ago and miss her daily. She also thought the world of the Walthers.
Carolyn Schuldt