Wally,
You have always been by my side, in good and in bad. You were my big brother and always protected me. You had a kind gentle heart and always helped others and looked out for your friends. I will never forget when you came to kalamazoo and rescued me. I called you at 7:00 am and you said don’t worry I’m on my way. It was in February and we had a blizzard and you came to my rescue, you packed all my stuff in your truck and let me follow you home. You paid for my gas and food on the way. Because you are such a great friend you did that for me. That is only a small part of what you have done and giving me in this life. I will always love and think about you. Remember the three ommigos. I am so glad that I got too know and respect and love you as such wonderful person. You are truely an angel, not only were you an angel on earth but now you are one watching over us. I will always remember the good times. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I Love you soooo much, you will be sadley missed by all of us
Renae DeFiore,
Gladstone, MI
To the family, please always try to remember the happy times with Wally, fun loving and carefree until the accident at Mead! He tried so hard to function after that, tried to put the worry away. He only wanted his family to share in his life, you have been there for him always Uncle Harry, and the rest of the family, now God needed a new Angel to guide and watch over his little one, and to spend time with Aunt Josie, God gave us Wally for a time, now choose to return his spirit to heaven. Wally fought the good fight, longer than anyone could have expected, he was strong, came from a strong family, and we are left to carry him in our hearts and minds! Tricia will always have a Guardian Angel to watch over her! God Bless all of the Family, and Prayers to everyone for the grieving to follow, as we all know, it doesn’t matter how ill someone is, it is still difficult to loose someone we love, He traveled to heaven in the light of the early morning, and sent a bit of his Spirit in the Storm last night! Wally’s humor would have made sure we would have the wind/snow or rain, as he traveled to Heaven, Love you all so much,
Sharon Breitenbach
Perkins, MI
Wally,
If tears could build a stairway,
And memories a lane,
We’d walk right up to Heaven,
And bring you home again.
Your The Bestest!
Tricia and Wendy
Escanaba, MI
If Tears Could Build A Stairway
If tears could build a stairway And memories were a lane We would walk right up to heaven And bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why. Our hearts still ache in sadness And secret tears still flow What it meant to lose you No one can ever know. But now we know you want us To mourn for you no more To remember all the happy times Life still has much in store. Since you ll never be forgotten We pledge to you today A hallowed place within our hearts Is where you ll always stay.
We love you Wally and you will always be in our Hearts
Greg & Tina Balenger
Stonington, MI
Wally,
The fun we used to have together. I’ll treasure forever in my heart. I’ll never forget the time we went on a Harley Davison run and I burned my leg on your bike 16 years ago. I still have the scar on my leg. Remember the time Lobo bit Jesse on the leg…I call our marks tattoos from Wally. I was so honored to be able to talk to you at the very end. I just wanted you to know I thought of you this morning…my always…special friend. As I looked out my window…when I think of you I hold you in my heart…so near. Your friendship..I hold so dear. Even through the years…that stand between us we share a special bond…you and I. One that I know will never end. When this day should come to an end I’ll be giving my thanks once again that I knew you. For these is no grater gift…I send my prayers to the heavens above. Our Lord to bless you with happiness, peace and love.
Your special friend,
Love you…Sarah
Gladstone, MI
Very sorry to hear of Wally passing away. I graduated with Wally , and although I haven’t seen him in quite a while, I always enjoyed catching up with him. A great guy who was well liked by all. He will be sadly missed.
Andy Wiltzius
Kingsford, MI
My friend, my brother, my neighbor…the memory’s we had go far back. We had some good times to last a lifetime (of memory’s). The times when you were feeling bad and needed someone to talk to…it was just a phone call away. I know in my heart if there were different levels in heaven you would be in the highest one…because you’re one of the nicest person I’ve ever met.
Always your friend,
Loretta Moore
Gladstone, MI
Wally,
You were a great brother and a freind. there won`t be a day that goes by that i won`t think of you. I was here when you came into this world and I took care of you when you were growning up. You were always there when I needed you and I was glad I was there when you needed me at the end. It was hard letting you go but just knowing you are out of pain and with mom is getting me through. Wally you were a great father to Tricia I know you stayed with us as long as you could because of her. you fought a hard battle and I know you did it for Tricia. She will always remember that. I am not saying goodbye because I know I will see you again someday so until then say hi to mom, and I love you.
love your sister Anna Nickell
Escanaba, MI
Please accept my condolances on your loss. Wally is remembered as a great guy and friend. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Marmalick
Loveland, CO
Wally, just want you to know you are not gone from this earth, you will always be in our thoughts and prayers and in our hearts. We know you are in heaven with the rest of the family and are rejoicing in a beautiful place, and are not suffering any more. Love you and will remember you always.
Mike Balenger
Gladstone, MI
Wally I’ll always remember you in my heart and I’m talking to you in pray and so is everyone else. I always will remember when you and Tricia went to my birthday party.
Lots of love from my family to yours.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Clausen
Gladstone, MI
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God has laid, you see.
I took His hand when I heard His call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found the peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
O yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full,
I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee.
God wanted me now,
He set me free.
…Author Unknown
Don and Ellie Nickell
Bark River, MI
Uncle Wally,
Thank you for fighting as long as you did. When I saw you yesterday (Friday) it was nice to see you not in anymore pain, I know you are resting and with Grandma. You will always be with us in our hearts and thoughts.
Love You,
Sally Rager
New Haven, MI
To my best friend and brother, your life has just begun. Always remember all the fun and good times we had together. And I am as proud as I can be! So I’m not going to mourn for you to long, we’ll get our lives back together. Take care of things, be brave and strong. I’ll surely miss you forever. I will not lie for as long as you remember, you did not really die!
Love your best friend forever..Copenhagen Kid
Jerry and Darlene Clausen and family
Gladstone, MI
Dearest Wally…..you will always be a part of my life. I remember you as being a little brother to me. You and Scott were always the babies. One on one hip and the other on the other hip. How I will miss your joking and laughing, but you will always be in my heart forever. You were much closer than a cousin….you were a little brother to me. I will miss you deeply. I know you are in peace in God’s hands and no pain. I will miss you. I LOVE YOU Wally.
Laurie Vermote
Escanaba, MI
I came across this poem and hope that Uncle Harry, Trisha, Mike, Anna, Debbie, Greg, Scott and family might be able to find some comfort and peace. He truly is in a better place and watching over us and preparing a place so that someday he will be there to greet us. You all are in our thoughts and prayers and we love you all. Darlene and Cliff Jensen and family.
Letter From Heaven
To my dearest family and friends, some things I’d like to say …
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.
Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.
It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you’re part of my plan.
There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.”
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you … in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years,
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too …
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night … “My day was not in vain.”
And now I am contented … that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you’re walking down the street, and you’ve got me on your mind;
I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it’s time for you to go … from that body to be free,
remember you’re not going … you’re coming here to me.
Anonymous
Wally,
You have always been by my side, in good and in bad. You were my big brother and always protected me. You had a kind gentle heart and always helped others and looked out for your friends. I will never forget when you came to kalamazoo and rescued me. I called you at 7:00 am and you said don’t worry I’m on my way. It was in February and we had a blizzard and you came to my rescue, you packed all my stuff in your truck and let me follow you home. You paid for my gas and food on the way. Because you are such a great friend you did that for me. That is only a small part of what you have done and giving me in this life. I will always love and think about you. Remember the three ommigos. I am so glad that I got too know and respect and love you as such wonderful person. You are truely an angel, not only were you an angel on earth but now you are one watching over us. I will always remember the good times. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I Love you soooo much, you will be sadley missed by all of us
Renae DeFiore,
Gladstone, MI
To the family, please always try to remember the happy times with Wally, fun loving and carefree until the accident at Mead! He tried so hard to function after that, tried to put the worry away. He only wanted his family to share in his life, you have been there for him always Uncle Harry, and the rest of the family, now God needed a new Angel to guide and watch over his little one, and to spend time with Aunt Josie, God gave us Wally for a time, now choose to return his spirit to heaven. Wally fought the good fight, longer than anyone could have expected, he was strong, came from a strong family, and we are left to carry him in our hearts and minds! Tricia will always have a Guardian Angel to watch over her! God Bless all of the Family, and Prayers to everyone for the grieving to follow, as we all know, it doesn’t matter how ill someone is, it is still difficult to loose someone we love, He traveled to heaven in the light of the early morning, and sent a bit of his Spirit in the Storm last night! Wally’s humor would have made sure we would have the wind/snow or rain, as he traveled to Heaven, Love you all so much,
Sharon Breitenbach
Perkins, MI
Wally,
If tears could build a stairway,
And memories a lane,
We’d walk right up to Heaven,
And bring you home again.
Your The Bestest!
Tricia and Wendy
Escanaba, MI
If Tears Could Build A Stairway
If tears could build a stairway And memories were a lane We would walk right up to heaven And bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why. Our hearts still ache in sadness And secret tears still flow What it meant to lose you No one can ever know. But now we know you want us To mourn for you no more To remember all the happy times Life still has much in store. Since you ll never be forgotten We pledge to you today A hallowed place within our hearts Is where you ll always stay.
We love you Wally and you will always be in our Hearts
Greg & Tina Balenger
Stonington, MI
Wally,
The fun we used to have together. I’ll treasure forever in my heart. I’ll never forget the time we went on a Harley Davison run and I burned my leg on your bike 16 years ago. I still have the scar on my leg. Remember the time Lobo bit Jesse on the leg…I call our marks tattoos from Wally. I was so honored to be able to talk to you at the very end. I just wanted you to know I thought of you this morning…my always…special friend. As I looked out my window…when I think of you I hold you in my heart…so near. Your friendship..I hold so dear. Even through the years…that stand between us we share a special bond…you and I. One that I know will never end. When this day should come to an end I’ll be giving my thanks once again that I knew you. For these is no grater gift…I send my prayers to the heavens above. Our Lord to bless you with happiness, peace and love.
Your special friend,
Love you…Sarah
Gladstone, MI
Very sorry to hear of Wally passing away. I graduated with Wally , and although I haven’t seen him in quite a while, I always enjoyed catching up with him. A great guy who was well liked by all. He will be sadly missed.
Andy Wiltzius
Kingsford, MI
My friend, my brother, my neighbor…the memory’s we had go far back. We had some good times to last a lifetime (of memory’s). The times when you were feeling bad and needed someone to talk to…it was just a phone call away. I know in my heart if there were different levels in heaven you would be in the highest one…because you’re one of the nicest person I’ve ever met.
Always your friend,
Loretta Moore
Gladstone, MI
Wally,
You were a great brother and a freind. there won`t be a day that goes by that i won`t think of you. I was here when you came into this world and I took care of you when you were growning up. You were always there when I needed you and I was glad I was there when you needed me at the end. It was hard letting you go but just knowing you are out of pain and with mom is getting me through. Wally you were a great father to Tricia I know you stayed with us as long as you could because of her. you fought a hard battle and I know you did it for Tricia. She will always remember that. I am not saying goodbye because I know I will see you again someday so until then say hi to mom, and I love you.
love your sister Anna Nickell
Escanaba, MI
Please accept my condolances on your loss. Wally is remembered as a great guy and friend. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Marmalick
Loveland, CO
Wally, just want you to know you are not gone from this earth, you will always be in our thoughts and prayers and in our hearts. We know you are in heaven with the rest of the family and are rejoicing in a beautiful place, and are not suffering any more. Love you and will remember you always.
Mike Balenger
Gladstone, MI
Wally I’ll always remember you in my heart and I’m talking to you in pray and so is everyone else. I always will remember when you and Tricia went to my birthday party.
Lots of love from my family to yours.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Clausen
Gladstone, MI
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God has laid, you see.
I took His hand when I heard His call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found the peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
O yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full,
I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee.
God wanted me now,
He set me free.
…Author Unknown
Don and Ellie Nickell
Bark River, MI
Uncle Wally,
Thank you for fighting as long as you did. When I saw you yesterday (Friday) it was nice to see you not in anymore pain, I know you are resting and with Grandma. You will always be with us in our hearts and thoughts.
Love You,
Sally Rager
New Haven, MI
To my best friend and brother, your life has just begun. Always remember all the fun and good times we had together. And I am as proud as I can be! So I’m not going to mourn for you to long, we’ll get our lives back together. Take care of things, be brave and strong. I’ll surely miss you forever. I will not lie for as long as you remember, you did not really die!
Love your best friend forever..Copenhagen Kid
Jerry and Darlene Clausen and family
Gladstone, MI
Dearest Wally…..you will always be a part of my life. I remember you as being a little brother to me. You and Scott were always the babies. One on one hip and the other on the other hip. How I will miss your joking and laughing, but you will always be in my heart forever. You were much closer than a cousin….you were a little brother to me. I will miss you deeply. I know you are in peace in God’s hands and no pain. I will miss you. I LOVE YOU Wally.
Laurie Vermote
Escanaba, MI
I came across this poem and hope that Uncle Harry, Trisha, Mike, Anna, Debbie, Greg, Scott and family might be able to find some comfort and peace. He truly is in a better place and watching over us and preparing a place so that someday he will be there to greet us. You all are in our thoughts and prayers and we love you all. Darlene and Cliff Jensen and family.
Letter From Heaven
To my dearest family and friends, some things I’d like to say …
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.
Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.
It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you’re part of my plan.
There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.”
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you … in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years,
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too …
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night … “My day was not in vain.”
And now I am contented … that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you’re walking down the street, and you’ve got me on your mind;
I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it’s time for you to go … from that body to be free,
remember you’re not going … you’re coming here to me.
by Ruth Ann Mahaffey