Hillman Nathan “Walt” Walter, age 83, of Wilber, passed away peacefully at home. He was born Sept. 6, 1942, at home between Brooks and Nodaway, Iowa, son to Hillman and Jessie Walter.
Walt proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Though he faced lasting health challenges from his service, he rarely spoke of them – choosing instead to live with quiet strength and determination. Following his time in the military, he began a long and dedicated career with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, where he worked in several positions and spoke fondly of his time on the steel gang and the leadership of Heavy Jackson. Known for his hard work, sense of humor, and love of good-natured shenanigans, Walt led by example and brought laughter wherever he went.
A man of deep faith, Walt attended Friend Christian Assembly, where he joined a men’s mission trip to Brazil. That experience profoundly impacted his life. He and his wife, Georgia, later moved to Brazil to serve as support missionaries, assisting in the airplane hangar and ministering to indigenous tribes. He was passionate about protecting native tribes and deeply cherished his time among them.
He found joy in service, laughter, and his time in Brazil, which held a special place in his heart. In earlier years, Walt enjoyed completing Volkswalks and often pushed his granddaughters in strollers along the trails.
Walt is survived by his wife, Georgia (Novak) Walter; daughter, Jessica (Walter) Placek; son, Ron Wallace and daughter-in-law, Remonica (Sneathern) Wallace; grandchildren, Brissa (Placek) and Jeremy Hoegemeyer, Brittany (Placek) and Calvin West, Zoe (Placek) and Ethan Ormonde, Makayla Placek, Chase and Mandy Wallace, and Elle Wallace; and great-grandchildren, Jordyn Montague, Lucas Montague, Arlo Ormonde, and Tuff Wallace. He is also survived by his brother, Hylton Walter; step-sister, Sherry Washburn; and nieces and nephews, Jim Walter, Sherry Goddard and Carol Barr.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hillman and Jessie Walter; son-in-law, Jason Placek; brother, Ivan Walter; sister-in-law, Pearl Walter; nephew, Donald Walter; and sister-in-law, Kim Walter.
No funeral services are planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to JAARS, Inc., P.O. Box 248, Waxhaw, NC 28173, or online at www.jaars.org.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.
