We remember Wally all through our lives, from high school days to adulthood. We cherish the fun times and laughs. Thank you for hosting us in your California home. Rob and Kim Gatz

We will miss you and your laugh.
Greg and Lisa Fleming

Thank you for welcoming us to your home in the Palo Alto area and then serving us hors d'oeuvres and drinks as went to dinner with Denise. Apparently, the Packer game was more interesting. :) Still, in short encounters, you made a huge impression as a caring spouse and best friend to Denise. Sincerely, Laura Love

everyone Loved wally. he was my grandfather, and he was the best. my favorite memory was when we went to Whidbee island just the two of us. dale let us sleep in a cargo sized, and shaped house. i enjoyed that trip
                      -Louise Golden

i'll always remember the card games we had, especially one in particular at your house in Shabbona. We were playing outside on the picnic table. I'm sure others will recall, as well. Walt was a great friend! RIP
Rick Siemers

We were blessed beyond words to have you and Denise as our neighbors. I remember when the house came was going to be for sale, I told Denise at work: "not sure the neighborhood needs two assistant principals living next door to each other", but it was the best buy you could have ever done and only strengthened our friendship. You were always there for us or for our kids.

I will always remember how kind & thoughtful Wally was to me, especially when I was at an education conference in Las Vegas with Denise and 6 months pregnant!  He looked out for me, and made sure that I was taken care of --my impression is that Wally always did that. He made the world a better place, and we can all benefit from his wonderful example.

I thank you all for the kind words, my Grandpa was the kindest, most empathetic person I have ever met, and I am so happy to know other people saw that too. I had so many memories with him, and I can not pick a favorite, they were all perfect. We all miss you, Grandpa.
                          
                                        -Charlotte A. Golden / Herrmann

My fondest memory of Wally was riding the bus to kindergarten with him. He kissed me one day and said “cause we’re friends “. He had a place in my heart for life after that one and only kiss. My heart goes out to his family.

I only knew him for nine years, but I loved the hell out of him. He accepted me in to the family with open arms and was kind and fun to hang out with. He helped us move and we enjoyed coming to see them at the farm and for family gatherings. He was funny as hell. Great memories visiting them in California, on vacations, etc. He is truly missed.

Didn't get to know Walt for very long but he had a lasting impression on me..Walt had signed up to play Senior softball this year and came to a few tryouts in January and February.. All of us coaches would take notes and evaluate the skills of all the new guys. Everyone was raving about the big left- hander that hit the ball harder than we have seen in years...Walt was going to be one of the top 3 draft picks and we were all ready to fight over him. Then about a week before the draft he informed us that he would miss the first 2 months of the season because he had to go back and work on the farm...Well, since I hadn't seen a better natural power hitter in years, I drafted him anyway. We had a few practices and the other coaches always showed up to watch Walt hit.. Well, in our first practice game he twisted his knee and was out of commission to start the season. So we feel sorry that we didn't get to watch the big man roll. We all will share stories of the massive shots that Walt hit over the street and into the front yards to right field..What a beautiful swing he had

Sincere condolences to the Herrman family. Walt & I were pheasant hunting / farming buddies. You could not ask for a better person to join you in the field & as a friend. We made a lot of great memories that will not be forgotten. One of my favorites- we were in Minnesota chasing birds , stayed the night at a casino / hotel with or dogs scout & Elvis. Forgot to tell them we had seeing eye dogs. Elvis did a little singing while we were unwinding at the lounge. We were asked to leave the next day. Didn’t bother us, we found a better place that accepted “ service dogs “. Also found a great restaurant, the pheasant pub & grill. Go figure. Great times with great people. Rest In Peace my brother

I was fortunate to have Walt and Denise as my next door neighbors in Sun City Roseville. While I knew Walt for less than a year, I quickly came to consider him a wonderful friend. He would magically appear and help to do such things as help me haul rock to my backyard, assemble patio furniture, or take my garbage cans out. I loved how he beamed with pride when he talked about “the farm” or when he spoke of Denise. One day three neighbors spent an hour plus chasing and rescuing a run away dog. I loved seeing his joy in crunching his new driver. We should all be so thrilled with nature. Walt was enthralled with the views from the patio of his new home.
I will try to honor Walt by being the best neighbor and friend that I can be. I will try to share his joy in taking in the beauty of the moment. My target from the tee on #12 will forever be Walt!

I will always remember Wally’s incredible smile and generous heart! As I walk by the house in the woods, I will fondly recall many nights of good wine, good food and great discussions with dear friends! Sending you all much love!

Denise, Ashley and Amanda and family I'm so very sorry for your loss! Walt was one heck of a man. A few years back I had asked Walt if he'd be able to give me a hand as a bear hunting guide for the season and despite this unusual request falling very near crop harvest Walt said sure I'll help you out but not sure how much help I'm gonna be. Walt arrived to camp and for a couple of weeks he would leave every morning with his 4 wheeler on the truck, a load of bait, couple bottles of water, some fruit and a snack and would be out all day trying to remember our bait site locations in the 3 county area we hunted until his phone GPS was probably full of way points! He would often return home with another ding in his truck or a funny story about something that happened while he was out or how he met someone new. Once the hunters started arriving into camp he wasn't overly confident in his ability but plowed forward and unknowingly become one of the best guides I've ever had! What Walt didn't take into account was the fact that he was a kind, caring, helpful, hard working, and compassionate person. You could find him taking a couple of tagged out hunters fishing, listening to one of their stories, helping another guide recover a bear or surprise the whole camp with a batch of chili after a late cold and rainy night recovering bears. Walt is often talked about in bear camp, local neighbors regularly ask if he was gonna be up so they could stop in to see him, and previous hunters returning to camp would often share a story or ask about him. He will always be fondly remembered and missed by those who had the opportunity to meet him. Peace!

I met Walt when he drove all the way to Middleton to see the country breakfast on an early Sunday morning. He was so proud of Denise and the amazing talent of the students at mhs. I remember being struck with how genuine and supportive he was. ❤️

I enjoyed working with Walt at the Health department. He was so good to me at the new job and throughout the time there. What a great guy that will be missed.

Ashley we are so very very sorry for all of you, your dad was the kindest of gentleman with the best laugh ,( I can hear him laughing now) I think the only time I ever truly heard him mad was when you girls got the green paint all over Amanda. We were truly blessed to have you as Neighbors and were able to share so many moments with your dad, what a great guy❤❤❤

What a great guy! I have fond memories of Walt and very glad I got to know him at IOCC.

I remember how sad I was when you moved from St. Charles, but Madison was amazing. Next it was on to California and you loved it even more. You’ve moved on again, and I like to think you are in your happiest place yet, watching over all of us. Love you Walt.