Walter Edward "Wally" Dewey

MADISON - Surrounded by his loving family, Walter E. Dewey died peacefully in his home on June 27, 2025, at the age of 64, following a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Wally is survived by his wife of 42 years and best friend, Londa (Jorgensen); his children, Kristin (Mark) Binkowski and Carlton (Molly) Dewey; and his grandchildren, Lane Dewey, River Dewey, Avery Walter Binkowski and Olivia Binkowski, who brought him immense joy as a proud dad and “Papa.” He is also survived by his mother, Nancy Dewey; siblings, Jean McFadden, John Dewey and Ann Dewey; and his grand-dogs, Stevie Nicks and Stella. His aunts, cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues and clients will lovingly remember him.  He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Dewey.  

Born on November 12, 1960, in Pasadena, Calif., Wally grew up in Wauwatosa, Wis. He graduated from Wauwatosa East High School in 1979 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Investments and Banking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983. He earned his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 1989.

Wally’s remarkable work ethic began early, delivering newspapers at 5 a.m. as a teenager. Following his father’s suggestion, he invested his earnings in a Milwaukee-based public company-an experience that sparked a lifelong hobby and passion for investing.

He was fortunate to turn his hobby into a career spanning 42 years, culminating in the creation of Resonant Capital Advisors in 2018, alongside his business partner, Ben Dickey. He was proud to serve on the board of his family enterprise, Walbec, and thoroughly enjoyed serving on the boards for numerous entrepreneurial companies and investing in them. He cultivated what he affectionately called the “sea monkey biome”-the idea that one meaningful connection will lead to the next. He loved to read, learn and apply his knowledge and insights.

In all aspects of his life, Wally lived with integrity, humility and curiosity. He was playful yet principled, guided by a set of values, and received great satisfaction in serving others. He had a unique gift for distilling complex ideas into understandable analogies, often given in the form of movie quotes. He had a memorable voice and spoke with conviction and honesty, always seeking to impart wisdom. He believed that happiness was the result of committed effort - at work, in the community, with family and through faith. This is how he lived.  

He served on many boards in his community, including Advisory Board of Carbone Cancer Center; Bethel Lutheran Church Foundation and Investment Committee; Waisman Center Advisory Board; St. Coletta; Oakwood; United Way Foundation and Edgewood Campus School. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, a passionate Wisconsin sports fan, and loved travel adventures with family and friends, especially skiing.

A funeral service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, with the Rev. Bill White presiding. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at the Edgewater Hotel, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025.

In the final weeks of Walter’s life, he and his family established a focused strategy to advance pancreatic immunology research at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts to support this initiative. Contributions in Walter’s memory may be made by check or DAF contribution (EIN: 39-0743975), payable to the “UW Foundation - Carbone Cancer Center” with a note to direct as a tribute to the "Walter Dewey Family PCI” (Innovation Fund #112900217). Donations may be mailed to UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox, 78807 Milwaukee, WI 53278-8807. Memorial gifts may also be made online at supportuw.org/giveto/DeweyFamilyPCI.

Wally’s legacy reminds us that a life rooted in integrity and service can compound quietly over time, leaving an extraordinary impact on the people and community it touches. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002