MADISON - Walter “Butch” Heinold moved beyond his earthly life on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. Born Dec. 24, 1939, to Kenneth and Dorothy (Sustersic) Heinold in Waukegan, Ill., Walter was a friendly, generous, loving and kind man. His life was not always easy; there were tragic circumstances that made for some difficult years, but he persevered. Walter naturally made connections and friends, which helped him to find a bit of joy in every day and he spread that joy with others.

Walter married his high school sweetheart, Jean Kay Reeves, in 1958. They began their life together in Wilmar, Minn., where Walter was stationed in the U.S. Air Force. Before that, Jean weathered a yearlong engagement apart while he was in Germany. Walter served as a mechanic/driver while in the service, skills he put to good use in his working career. Jean and Butch then settled back in Illinois, to raise their family near their extended family. Children Peggy, Steven, Patricia and Robert were all born in Waukegan.

A hard-working man, Walter worked as a Coca-Cola delivery driver, navigating the roads all over Lake County, Ill. Later he ran Walt’s Clark Station on Grand Avenue in Waukegan. In those days gas stations were full service and he was fast to your car to fill up the tank, check your oil and wash your windshield. He hustled and worked long hours but ran a successful station until the gas crisis of the 80s. He then was able to parlay his mechanical ability and work ethic into a career at Abbott Laboratories in production, until his retirement in 1999.

A quintessential car guy, he had many vehicles in his life, including a yellow Chevy pickup truck, dark green Chevy pinstriped van, a beautiful Bonneville he bought for Jean for her birthday one year, and a minivan he bought to chauffer around his grandchildren - it had a video player in it! His car buying was patiently supported by Jean and his buddy, Manny Cruz, a car salesman in Waukegan. He loved to talk about cars, their engines, reliability, repairability, and cost.

Walter was a loving and proud grandfather to his grandchildren, Christian, Andrea and Grant. He loved hearing about their lives, swapping stories and sharing time together. He became a devoted attendee to his granddaughter, Andrea’s soccer games. He loved the house his grandson, Christian bought, especially the oversized garage and shop. He proudly wore his University of Illinois swag in support of his grandson, Grant. He was an important part of their growing up years and remained so as they matured into adulthood.

A perennially frustrated but always loyal Chicago Bears fan, Walter enjoyed watching football games with family. He was happy to welcome Andrea’s fiancé, Doug, into the family as a fellow Bears fan.

He found a great community at the Beehive of Oregon. The care and connections he made there were a blessing. He was especially fond of the weekly bus ride, ice cream treats and going out to lunch with the other residents.

Walter was preceded in death by his dear parents, Ken and Dorothy; brother, Jerry; and sons, Steven and Robert. Walter is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jean; his daughters, Peggy (Tim) and Patty (Paul); his three grandchildren; brother, Jim; and many extended family members and friends. He is and will forever be missed by all.

The family wishes to thank his physician, Dr. David Shearer of SSM East Clinic for years of compassionate care, the staff at Stoughton Hospital and especially the caring staff at the Beehive of Oregon.

A Memorial Service in his honor will be held at MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 5706 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, at 1 p.m. on Saturday March 9, 2024. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us."

-Helen Keller

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Walter F Heinold

December 24, 1939 - February 11, 2024

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