Walter E. "Butch" Degner, age 95, of West Bend, passed away on Sunday, September 2, 2012 at the Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Wally was born on July 14, 1917 in West Bend to the late Erwin and Mathilda (nee Hoppe) Degner. He attended West Bend High School and later served his country during WWII by enlisting in the United States Army. Wally spent his time in the service in the Pacific Theater under the Red Arrow Division in the 128th Infantry Band. On May 25, 1946, following his return home from the war, Wally was united in marriage to Mabel Joedike at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend.
He was an assistant manager at Campbell's Department Store which later became the Carroll House. In 1962 he began his own business called Butch's Sport Shop which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1981. Following his retirement, Wally worked part time for Zuern Lumber in Allenton for five years.
Wally was an avid Brewer and Packer fan. He loved fishing and wood working. He enjoyed attending the Red Arrow Division reunions and was a member of the Lt. Ray Dickop American Legion Post #36 in West Bend. Wally was also a lifetime member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend.
Wally is survived by two children, Carol (William) Bremser of West Bend and David (Lucille) Degner of West Bend; four grandchildren, Becky (Dana) Nielsen of Oakland, CA, Matt (Erin) Bremser of Sheboygan, Beth Degner of Slinger, and Jenna (fiancAC. Danny Clifford) Degner of Bayside; a great-grandson, Liam Bremser; a sister, Edith Degner of West Bend; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mabel; a sister, Bernice Remmel; a brother, Harold Degner; a sister-in-law, Kathryn Degner; and two brothers-in-law, Elroy Remmel and Carl (Ruth) Joedike.
A memorial service in honor of Wally will be held on Friday, September 21st at 7:00 pm at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home in West Bend. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 pm until the time of service. Burial of Wally's cremated remains will be in Washington County Memorial Park.
Memorials to St. John's Scholarship Fund would be greatly appreciated by the family.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Cedar Community for the care and compassion that was given to Wally and his family while he was there.