Walter H. Scheffley Jr.
September 27, 1928- November 10, 2021
Walter lived a full life and was an amazing and interesting man. He grew up in Hazleton, Pennsylvania with his parents and 2 siblings. He graduated from Hazleton High School and enrolled early to the Navy during WWII. He would always indicate the war ended while he was in basic training, and he served during post war peace time efforts in Italy. Some of Walt’s best stories were of his time on these ships. After being honorably discharged from the Navy he received his degree in Industrial Design from Philadelphia College of Arts. He settled down in Vermont and started his professional career in Industrial and Landscape Design.
Walter was so much more than how his service and profession defined him. He was a man of many abilities and strong character. He will be remembered most by the commitment he showed for his loved ones and his passions. Walt successfully completed 7 marathons, including the Boston Marathon. All these races were trained for in Hush Puppy shoes he retrofitted for comfort by cutting the full toe area out. Walt also was an accomplished artist. He would simply use latex paint on Masonite to create beautifully detailed folksy art with satirical humor in every inch. He even had a painting hung in the State Capital of Vermont. Walter was dedicated to living healthy late into life and did so by eating garlic and butter sandwiches, shoveling snow, walking everywhere, lifting dumbbells daily, and, not to be forgotten, squeezing hand grips on the hour. But above and beyond all, Walt’s character was demonstrated most by his commitment and love he showed as he cared for his late wife Patricia who had been paralyzed after a tragic event. He dedicated 10 1/2 years to providing her with the best possible care. He would make her a special diet and help her do daily exercises to prolong her life. His dedication allowed for his wife to live far beyond what all the medical experts predicted.
Walter passed his time in his later years by reading, creating cartoon drawings, and being the first to laugh at his own jokes. Walter saw so much humor in the world and would often be caught with a smirk on his face and chuckling to himself.
His love, kindness and belief in his family was unmatched and he will be missed.
Walter leaves behind his sister Helen Scheffley, children Patricia Lutton and Husband David, Holly Shea and Husband Dana, Steve Scheffley, and wife Angie. Along with grandchildren, Jason LaTour, Megan Stewart, Adrie LaTour, Andrew Lutton, Dr. Heather Lee and husband Dr. Jerry Lee, Melissa Dumont and Chantelle Dumont, Ben Scheffley, Anna Scheffley and Sam Scheffley. Along with great children Katelyn Stewart, Sacouya Jones, and Maggie Lee.
Walter is proceeded in death by his wife Patricia, daughter Noreen LaTour, brother Bill Scheffley, and parents Walter and Rebecca Scheffley.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Brookdale Inver Grove Heights Assisted Living staff who over the last almost 5 years had provided him with the best care possible. He thought of many of his care providers as family.
There will be a private service on Dec. 3rd at Brookdale Assisted Living for family, residents and staff along with grave side service in early summer in Vermont.