Norbert J. Walter

Norbert James Walter, 84, of Holmen, WI died on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. Norbert was born on July 3, 1940 to Frank and Anna (Hafner) Walter in La Crescent, Minnesota. Norbert lived life taking pride in hard work and dedication across multiple interests. While working at Torrance Casting in La Crosse, he built an interest in foundry work that led him to buy the Lunde Foundry in 1969. Starting as the only employee, Norbert built his company from the ground up, retiring in 2001 proudly employing 18 foundry workers. He showed the same dedication to his hobbies as he did his work. Norbert’s love for the outdoors led him to many late nights climbing the hills of Houston County with his beloved hunting dogs. Deep interests in history and how things work led Norbert to a life of collecting, and an amazing ability to explain the background of his collectables off the top of his head. Norbert took particular pride in his fully refurbished 1950 Chevy pickup truck and the Farmall Super H tractor he drove on antique tractor rides across area country roads. 

 Norbert’s commitment to hard work meant he always went above and beyond with everything he took on. Nowhere was this more evident than in his dedication to his family and friends. After returning from his service to his country in the U.S. Army, Norbert met Mary Heilman on a blind date. Norbert and Mary married in 1969 and shared 54 years together. After Mary was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Norbert served as her caretaker for 35 years. Like his dedication to Mary, Norbert’s dedication to his children, siblings, parents, relatives and friends made him a steady presence in their lives; meaning much more to them than he could ever realize. It was Norbert’s unwavering faith in Christ that supported him in all of his life’s struggles and shaped the generous man that he was. By his example, Norbert will continue to shape the lives of his family and friends that remain.

 Norbert is survived by his four children, Dan Walter, Joe (Stephanie) Walter, Sara (Mike) Moriarty, and Mike Walter; three grandchildren: Tristan and Taylor Walter and Cormac Moriarty; a sister, Mary Ann Zadow, and a brother Dick (Teresa) Walter. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Walter, four brothers, Willard Walter, Francis Walter, Vernon Walter, and Joe Walter and two sisters Sr. Rita Ann Walter and Margie Balzer.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of Crucifixion on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Jon Dickson will present a eulogy at 10:45am. Father John L. Evans II will officiate. Burial will be in the Crucifixion Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Food for the Poor, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.