Walter Richard Wollenbecker

Walter Richard “Walt” Wollenbecker, age 80 died in Niland, Calif., on Jan. 20, 2015, of natural causes. He was a longtime resident of Astoria, but had recently purchased an off-season home at the Fountain of Youth Spa and Resort. He referred to himself as a “rainbird,” going south to dry out.

Walt was born Jan. 18, 1935, in Toledo, Ohio. His parents were Walter Henry Wollenbecker and Elizabeth Ann (Gyuras) Wollenbecker. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Janet (Westfall) Wollenbecker, and by a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” M. (Wollenbecker) Mical.

On Oct. 10, 1959, Walt and Ruth were married in Toledo, Ohio, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They celebrated a marriage of longevity and an unprecedented loyalty, truly best friends to the end.

Walt served in the U.S. Army as an accountant from May 9, 1955, until his discharge on Dec. 14, 1962. He enjoyed his stint in the Army and a 2-year hiatus in Germany. He spoke of his adventures in Germany, and how he was often mistaken for a German soldier. This didn’t bother him a bit, as he frequented the beer halls making new friends and singing German folk songs. He was coined a “great American” of German descent.

In 1968, Walt graduated from the University of Toledo, in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1952, prior to this and his Army service. Upon graduation he landed a job at Champion Paper, where he was an auditor for 12 years. After an arduous decade of cutthroat accounting, he was let go. Walt stood outside Champion and thanked God for taking the burden off of him, as the long hours and travel took him away from his family. His prayers had been answered.

In 1981, Walt took his family to settle in the Pacific Northwest, a journey that would eventually end up in Astoria, after a short stay in Smith River, Calif., and Brookings, Ore. Soon settling in Astoria, Walt became an active member of the community, serving on the PTA and finances board for St. Mary, Star of the Sea School, the Clatsop Care Board, and did end-of-the-month bookkeeping for St. Mary’s Church. He was a member of the Oregon Association of Tax Consultants and the Washington Society Tax Consultants. Walt prepared low- to no-cost returns for people in need of assistance. He was a devout Catholic who served as lector and Eucharistic minister. He described himself as a man who would deliver himself to church, rain or shine.

Family and friendships were very important to Walt, and he dedicated himself to maintaining the longevity of these relationships. Always known around town for his outgoing personality, vivacious smile, and hearty laugh, Walt was a loved member of the community. Asserting his left-handed super power, he joked and connected to all southpaws. He was in his right mind, as opposed to his right-handed counterparts, and loved to joke about that. Walt made people feel good and important. He will be missed.

He is survived by his son, John W. Wollenbecker; his wife, Joan M. Wollenbecker; his daughter, Mary J. Richard and her husband, Brent N. Richard; his six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. He has several nieces and nephews, as well.

The funeral is scheduled for February 7, 2015, at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church in Astoria. The rosary is at 11 a.m., service at 11:30 a.m., and reception to follow at Fultano’s Pizza from 2 to 4 p.m.

Memorial contributions to be made to Glenmary Home Missioners, P.O. Box 465618 Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618, or www.glenmary.org