Walter Bade, 89, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at Kettle Moraine Gardens Care Center, in Kewaskum.
He was born on March 7, 1925, in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, the son of the late Otto C. and Emma (Veith) Bade. Walter attended the Lake Mills Public Schools and graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1943. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific Theater with the 321st Infantry Regiment and was awarded the Purple Heart in 1944. Walter was honorably discharged on February 4, 1946.
On September 8, 1948, he married Phyllis J. Fischer at the First Congregational Church in Lake Mills, WI. Walter attended the University of Wisconsin Madison and graduated in 1950. He and Phyllis moved to Kewaskum where he began his teaching and coaching career. Walter was instrumental in the development of the physical education program for the Kewaskum School District. Throughout his 39 year career he taught several different subjects and coached football, basketball, baseball and track and field. Walter also served several years as a guidance counselor before returning to the classroom which he enjoyed the most. He dedicated his life to education: he enjoyed his students and athletes and always aspired to do the right things by them. Walter also worked many years for the Department of Natural Resources in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest acting as camp-master at both Mauthe and Long Lake Recreational Areas. He was a member of Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum.
Those Walter leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 66 years, Phyllis; five children, Judith (Richard) Rusch of Milton, Barbara (Kevin) Strand of Poynette, Karen (Mark) Dezso of Tucson, Arizona, David (Susan) Bade of Urbandale, Iowa and Susan (Daniel) Chesak of Saukville; seven grandchildren, Samuel Clapper and Michael (Angela) Clapper, John and Benjamin Dezso and Jordan, Alexander, and Emma Bade; two great-grandchildren, Annabelle Clapper and Anthony Skrede; three brothers-in-law, Charles (Marie) Fischer of Chanhassen, Minnesota, Robert Baechle of Madison and Gene Brough of St. Paul, Minnesota; a sister-in-law, Joan Bade of Lake Mills, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by nine siblings.
Memorial services for Walter will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2015, at Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum with Rev. Eric Kirkegaard officiating.
Walter's family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the KEYS scholarship fund or Peace United Church of Christ in Walters name are appreciated.
The Miller Funeral Home in Kewaskum has been entrusted with Walter's arrangements.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Kettle Moraine Gardens, Serenity Hospice and Rev. Kirkegaard for the wonderful care, support and compassion shown to Walter in his final journey.