Walter F. Develski, age 88, of Escanaba, passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021, at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone, holding his daughters hands and surrounded by his loving family.
Walter was born on April 5, 1933, in Mellen, Wisconsin, the son of Walter and Laura (Beyer) Develski. Walter was raised and graduated from high school before joining the United States Air Force. He served in the Air Force for 20 years. He earned 2 commendation medals for managerial and technical support. He also was the administrator for the top rated vehicle repair facility throughout the entire Air Force.
On October 15, 1955, Walter was united in marriage to the former Dorothy Stanczak at St. Michael Catholic Church in Ironwood, and together they shared many wonderful years. They began their family in England while he was stationed there, and later were stationed in Waco, TX and Rantoul, IL before eventually moving to Escanaba in 1971.
Walter spent 24 years as a teacher at Bay de Noc Community College, from 1971 to 1995. He started the Auto Program there and helped it become what it is today. He was a member of the Escanaba City Planning Commission, the Amvets/VFW, and also served as chairman for the Electric Board. He also cherished the time he got to spend with his family, and even loved visiting Poland and England to visit family. He will be very missed.
Walter is survived by his children, Barbara (Terry) Lehouillier, Michael (Debra) Develski, and LeeAnn (Terry) Hanson, grandchildren Jason, Andrew, Timothy, and Jeffrey Lehouillier, Katie (Adam) Whitmer, Cody (Gaozie Vang) Hanson, Lexi (Jacob Anderson) Hanson, Rachel (Josh) Blanke, Christopher Puddy, and Amy (David) Cooper, great grandchildren James Cooper, Everly, Harper, and Daisy Blanke, and Scarlett, Adalyn, and Sophia Whitmer. Walter is also survived by his brother Ronald Develski, dear friend Barb Picard, Kara Morehouse and all the staff at Riverside Chrysler Dodge who he enjoyed visiting daily, Angie Paquin, Brian Beauvais, and countless other good friends.
Walter is preceded by his wife Dorothy, parents, brothers William Donald, and David Develski, infant sister Barbara, and great grandson Sawyer Blanke.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, from 2 to 3:45 PM at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Escanaba. Military rites will begin at 3:45, and Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4:00 PM with Rev. Fr. Fran DeGroot officiating. Walter will be entombed at Gardens of Rest Cemetery.
Sue Young - Escanaba, MI
My sympathy to all of you for your loss. I worked in Shipping & Receiving (part time now) at Bay College and got to know Walt really well. He would come in our office after his class with a cup of coffee and a story. I really enjoyed visiting with him and will greatly miss him. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joyce King - GLADSTONE, MI
Develski Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Walt at the college and always enjoyed our conversations. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie LaCrosse - Rapid River, MI
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am sending, thought, hugs and.prayers your way. Walt will always hold a special place I. My heart. I was his first female student, at Bay.
Donna Lee Caron - Gladstone, MI
Sending prayers for comfort and peace during Walter’s passing. We met just a few years ago through the Senior Center. He will be missed there by many of us.
Terry (Winker) Lemire - Escanaba, MI
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked in work study with him at Bay College. He was the sweetest guy and the best boss I ever worked for. One thing I remember when working in the Automotive Department, when the guys/students started swearing, he used to say, “Guys, there is a person of female gender in here, watch your language.” Like I never heard it before. Him and Dorothy came to all 3 my child adoption parties and our wedding reception. Also, received Christmas cards every year from him even after Dorothy passed. Sorry I missed the wake and funeral, just saw today that he passed. I know this is a difficult time for the family this time of year, as I lost my Mom over the summer.
David Beaudoin - Escanaba, MI
My sympathy for your loss. I meet Walt when I started full time at Bay College Shipping & Receiving. Walt would stop by and talk. We always had good conversations. He will be missed. Hope the memories of Walt will help you through this difficult time.
Bonnie Follett - San Francisco, CA
I just discovered today that Walt had passed away. I was thinking about Christmas cards and wondering why I had not got one from Walt yet, because his was always the first one I received. So I was very sad to hear of his passing. Walt was my genealogy buddy and I enjoyed our phone conversations and correspondence. Over the years he had told me so much about my Develski part of the family. His grandfather was my great-grandfather. He was a treasure trove of information on the Develski family and such a nice guy. – My deepest condolences go out to his kids, grandkids and family and friends. I do think he is now at peace and reunited with his beloved Dorothy. He will be missed.