Myron R. "Mike" Waldow

Myron “Mike” R. Waldow, age 91, passed away peacefully at the Gundersen Health System of L a Crosse on Dec. 10, 2015, surrounded by his family. Myron was born on April 8, 1924, to Ernest and Melita (Rohrer) Waldow near Cochrane, WI. His family soon moved to Dakota, MN, where he enjoyed his childhood near the Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs. There he developed a lifelong love of nature, including hiking, hunting, fishing, and river activities.
After his family moved to La Crescent, MN, he attended and graduated from Central High School in La Crosse, WI, in 1941. He attended the University of Minnesota for a year before he was old enough to be accepted to King’s Point, the Merchant Marine Academy in New York. Upon graduation he was commissioned into the U.S. Navy as an ensign. He honorably served his country in both WWII and the Korean Conflict, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
He married Betty Broring in 1946 and they raised their six children in La Crescent. After WWII Myron furthered his education and became a registered highway engineer, working various times for MN DOT, Davy Engineering of La Crosse, and served as County Highway Engineer for both Winona and Houston counties, retiring at age 70.
He was an original member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crescent and a member of the Gittens-Leidel American Legion - Post 595.
Myron will be remembered by for his love of music and singing, his wit and practical jokes, and his lively discussions at the Maid Rite. An avid reader of non-fiction, he was always willing to share his knowledge and opinions. He enjoyed countless hours with family and friends at his boathouse near Brownsville fishing, playing cards, water skiing, and playing volleyball on the sandbar.
Myron was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty, his brother John, his daughter Jacqueline Moore, one granddaughter, and one grandson.
He is survived by five children: George (Diane) Waldow, Janet (Jack) Miller, James (Stephanie) Waldow, Jeanne (Geoff) Dawes, and Jennifer (David) Faas. He is further survived by 13 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, a nephew, and two nieces.
Funeral services will be held at 11am on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church of La Crescent. Military rites following the services will be provided by the Gittens-Leidel American Legion Post 595. Pastor Chris Christenson will officiate. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call on the family Monday evening at the church from 5 until 7 pm. and again at church on Tuesday from 10am until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Legion Post 595, First Evangelical Lutheran Church, or the Gundersen Medical Foundation. The family wishes to thank the hospice staff and clergy at the Gundersen Health System for their compassionate care, staff and residents at Golden Living in La Crescent who enjoyed and took special care of Myron, and Pastor Chris Christenson for his wonderful support and songs.