John “Jack” Walter, a resident of Salem, passed away on February 24th, 2025. He was 87 years old.
Jack was born in Chicago to loving parents Austin and Beatrice Walter. He was educated in Chicago Schools and after high school enlisted in the US Air Force. He dutifully served his country and received an Honorable Discharge when his contract was fulfilled. In 1962 he met the love of his life, Gloria Lanzo, at a local dance hall. The two quickly fell in love and were married in Chicago on May 15, 1965. They were blessed with two daughters, Cheryl and Cindy, and in 1979 relocated to Paddock Lake to be closer to family.
In his spare time, Jack was a man of many interests. He was a lifelong fan of the Cubs and Bears. He loved fishing and playing golf with The Senile Senior Citizens group. He was a voracious reader, reading anything and everything he could get his hands on. He also loved watching Westerns and history films, but his absolute favorite pastime was cheering on his grandkids at their sporting events.
Jack is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gloria (nee Lanzo) Walter, his two daughters Cheryl Godin in Sturtevant, Cindy (Shane) Flesch in Brighton, and his grandchildren Olivia, Autumn, and Axel. He is further survived by a sister, Patricia Ptack in Belvidere IL, and a sister-in-law Mary Ann Spadaro in Elk Grove CA. Jack is even further survived by a large extended family including countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and even some great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, his brothers-in-law William Ptack and Joseph Spadaro, and a niece Dawn Sweeney.
Jack’s family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice Alliance (especially the nurse Nicole) for their compassionate care during his final days.
Services for Jack will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (7307 40th Ave, Kenosha) on Tuesday, March 4th. Visitation will take place at 10 o’clock and Mass will take place at 11 o’clock.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Jack’s favorite place. The Salem Community Library. 24615 89th St. Salem WI 53168.
