Walter Wisnewski

Walter Wisnewski

October 13, 1934 - June 30, 2017

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U.S. Veteran

Walter F. Wisnewski, Jr., born on October 13, 1934, died on Friday, June 30, 2017. A celebration of Walt's life will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Steve's Pizza Upstairs. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family.   Memorials may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin, 207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 325, Milwaukee, WI 53202; St. Meinrad Archabbey, Hill St., Rockport, IN 47877; Dominican Sisters-Sinsinawa Mound, 585 County Rd. Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com

Walt was born on October 13, 1934 in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, son of Walter and Agnes (Grohowski) Wisnewski,Sr. He grew up in Morris County, New Jersey. After graduating from high school he served in the United States Navy for 20 years. He attended University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana where he received his BS in Technical Writing; later he attended Southern Indiana University where he received his Master's in English.  Most recently, Walt taught English at Loras College and later UW-Platteville until he retired. He enjoyed gardening and attending Wooden Boat School in Brooklin, Maine, learning the craft of making wooden dory boats. 

Walt is survived by his children, Mary (Bill Walker) Wisnewski, Adam Wisnewski, and Matthew Wisnewski; sister, Barbara Kiely; brother, Robert, sister-in-law, Elsie Wisnewski; his loving friends, Gretchen Patrick, Joyce Wisnewski, Elvera Scheppers, Roy Horowitz, and Richard P. Miller, among others, as well as his beloved dogs, Sugar and Sophie.

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Walter
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Daniel Dahlquist
Other •
As a graduate student a white-haired professor who was about to retire told me that the real joy of teaching was to be found in the camaraderie and intellectual stimulation I would find with my colleagues. I found this to be true in my friendship with Walt Wisnewski. His wisdom, candor, and sense of humor helped me to be a better teacher and prevail against the negativity found in the politics of the university. As Thoreau might say, Walt had a back one could not pass a hand through. May we all remember to remember Walt Wisnewski.
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Ron and Sheri Breuer
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We are so sorry to learn of Walt's passing. He was just a great guy and one of a kind. Ron will miss seeing him at the Platteviile and Dubuque farmer's markets. Won't be the same without him. Ron and Sheri Breuer
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USS Ponchatoula Shipmates Association
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Joyce and Family. Walt's Shipmates' hearts go out to you and your family at this time of great loss. Walt was truly a great shipmate, and his presence will be felt long after. He will be missed by all who sailed with him. Navy Hymn: (Alternate Verse): Eternal Father, Thou who saved our Shipmate’s soul from earthly grave. Please comfort those he held most dear in this their time of grief and fear. May he stand watch on heaven’s shore till we can meet him there once more. O Father hear our prayers to thee for all who’ve served upon the sea. (Peter J. Ablanczy 2017) Wishing you fair skies and following seas, Walt! USS Ponchatoula Shipmates Association
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Barbara wisnewski kiely
Other •
I miss my brother Walt, his telephone calls and Visits.

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