Walter "Walt" G. Cantley

STOUGHTON - Walter G. Cantley, age 74, of Stoughton, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Kettle Park Senior Living. He was born on December 5, 1949, in Maryville, Tenn., the son of Robert W. and Maxine E. (Long) Cantley.

Walter graduated from Maryville High School in 1968 in and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from St. Bernard College in 1972, in Cullman, Ala. Walter worked in insurance for over 30 years.

He was united in marriage to Patricia Henry in Minneapolis, Minn. in March of 2003. A devoted husband of over 21 years, they enjoyed day trips around Wisconsin, visiting with their grandchildren, and watching sports games.

Walt really enjoyed the outdoors. He loved camping with his family on Whidbey Island in Washington and hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains when his kids were older. He loved fishing, especially with his grandchildren, often charming fish by calling out, “Here fishy fishy fishy fishy.” Oftentimes he was happy to just “go for a drive.”

Walt was an instant friend to anyone. He was always able to talk to others and make them smile whether from a joke or anecdotal story. He could connect with anyone in easy and fun conversations. He was a great listener too, always available to be there for friends and family when they needed someone to talk to.

He was the ultimate “knower of things.” To his children, he was always able to answer questions or find solutions to problems presented. He had a vast knowledge on a wide range of topics. He loved history, was a voracious reader and lifelong student of “everything.”

Walt had a special connection with his grandchildren. He adored each and every one of them. He played online video games with his grandkids from afar and connected with card games, Disney movies and Legos in person.

Walt instilled the joy of volunteering to help others in his children by showing up every Sunday and holidays with cookies, coffee and conversation at the local nursing homes. He coached sports for his kids and supported his grandchildren in their scouting efforts. He was the dad and Grandad who showed up to everything.

Walt is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Henry; children, Chris (Jean) Cantley of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Robert G. Cantley of Knoxville, Tenn. and Tricia (Aaron) Valdovinos of Stoughton, Wis.; grandchildren, Dahlia, Christopher, Sydney, Robert II, Levi, Wyatt and Halle; great-grandson, Arlo; sister, Loretta (Reginald) Pelletier; brother, Richard Cantley; Goddaughter, Angela (Josh) Korver. Former wife and mother of his children, Debbie Taylor. Lifelong friends Norman Blankenbeckler and Graham Smith. Many special nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents; his eldest brother, Robert J. Cantley; and dear friends, Phil and Anna Mink.

Walter’s children want the world to know what a kind, generous, supportive and thoughtful man he was. A man of honesty and integrity and a man they are so proud to call their father.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. ANN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 323 N. Van Buren St., Stoughton, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St., Stoughton, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society or St. Ann Catholic Church. Special thanks to the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care in Fitchburg and the staff at Kettle Park Apartments in Stoughton for taking care of him like family.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590