Louis William Walter Jr.

Louis William Walter, Jr., 69, of South Boardman, a loving husband, father, and grandpa, found his way home to Heaven on October 20, 2022. He was born on November 25, 1952. Louis and Linda (Bugai) were married on October 4, 1974, married 48 years. Together, they had two daughters, Sheelah (Chad) and Michelle (ex-spouse, Nick). Among Louie’s pride and joys were his five grandchildren, each with their own special nicknames: Austin (Louie), Noah (Leroy), Tyler (Rocky), Logan (Happy), and Izabellah (Crystal). His “doggy dog”, Red, was his sidekick and best friend. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Louis Walter, Sr. and Bessie Walter (Campbell). Louie was the strength and provider of his family; he will be dearly missed. In 1973, Louie became a member of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen (Local 40), where he worked on various projects in the region. Approximately 10 years later, Louie became the business manager of the union in Northern Lower Michigan. He attended Ferris State College, graduating in 1974, with an Associate in Applied Science in Building Construction. He also began Maple Ridge Construction/Maple Ridge Farms. He had a passion for the outdoors, for farming on the land he grew up on, his cattle, and farm equipment. He could fix anything. He spent many days and evenings with his grandchildren in “papa’s shop” teaching them about tools, equipment, and life. His sense of humor and quick wit were traits for which he will forever be remembered. He loved home cooking, and he enjoyed cooking; especially baking pies. He began Louie’s Farm Jam with Sheelah and Chad, located on the back acreage of the family farm, hoping to bring together the community and music lovers, and created the motto for the venue: "Come for the music... leave with the memories." He enjoyed classic cars, including restoring his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, 1978 Chevrolet Cheyenne pick-up truck, his 1964 Chevrolet Impala, and numerous other classics over the years. He also enjoyed drag racing. He spent many days riding his motorcycle. He enjoyed watching westerns, concerts, and listening to classic rock through his Klipsch corner horn speakers. He especially loved the songs “Free Bird” and “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd that he would play on his guitar. He attended Calvary Baptist Church of Kalkaska. He enjoyed helping his neighbors and staying active on the family farm. He was a man involved in various community projects and boards, including the Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office, as a Reserve Officer, Forest Area Community Schools Board of Education, Kalkaska County Commissioner, Kalkaska County Zoning Commission, Kalkaska Public Transit Authority, District Health Department #10, Kalkaska County Road Commission, and Michigan Heritage & Research Foundation. He heavily participated in POW/MIA events, as well as the Vietnam Memorial moving wall. He was a lifetime member of the NRA. Louie will be dearly missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family farm that Louie loved, which may be directed to his wife, Linda Walter. Visitation for Louie will be on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 from 5-8pm at Kalkaska Funeral Home. The service will be at 11am with final visitation beginning at 10am on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Kalkaska Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Garfield Township Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.

Louis William Walter Jr.

November 25, 1952 - October 20, 2022