Walter J. Pitts

Walter J. Pitts, age 90, passed away May 13, 2021 at Springbrook Village of La Crescent, MN and finally joins his wife Helen in Heaven.   Walter was born October 4, 1930 in Sterling, IL where he lived most of his life.   During high school he met his future wife, Helen Johnson who was a Car Hop at a local Root Beer Stand.  After high school, Walter was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany where he trained dogs for the Army.   Walter developed his skills as a dog trainer and became a teacher for the Army.  He was filmed in a Stars and Stripes movie about training dogs.  Walter married Helen on Christmas day Dec 25, 1951 during leave from the Army.  After discharge from the army Walter was employed as a Crain Operator for Northwestern Steel & Wire, a large steel mill in Sterling, IL.  Walter and Helen raised three children, Christine Vinson of Jasper, TN, Steven Pitts of La Crescent, MN and James Pitts of Willow Spring, NC.  Walter retired as a Crain Operator after 31 years and moved to Lutz, Florida where they built a house.  Walter and Helen enjoyed the warm weather in Florida and had many friends.  Walter and Helen would say over and over again that they really enjoyed their time together in Florida.  Helen died from Leukemia on Dec 10, 2011 and Walter never really recovered from her loss.   Walter finally joins his wife in Heaven after 9 years and 5 months being apart.

Walter and Helen enjoyed collecting antiques together.  Going to many auctions and finding their treasures.  Walter was the woodworker and collector of antique mechanical gadgets and Helen was the artist and the great cook.  Whenever family and friends came over, Walter would always show off his antique mechanical gadgets and they would try to guess what it did.  Helen would create a great meal and people would enjoy looking at her beautiful paintings.  Walter also enjoyed using his creative mind and coming up with new ideas for inventions.  He has a US Patent # 3548790 for a new type of rotary internal combustion engine.  A recent patent search of Walter’s patent shows numerous citing on other patents around the world.

Walter wishes to be cremated and have his ashes spread in the shape of the cross at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling, IL next to his wife’s ashes spread in the same shape.  He also wishes to have a private ceremony with Family and close friends.   Date to be determined.  Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, La Crescent Chapel is assisting the family.