"My condolences to the Meinholz family. Walter was a passionate dairy farmer and family man. I'll always remember him as the soft-spoken, kind-hearted gentleman that I would always gravitate toward when I saw him in a room because he was such a positive person to talk to. The dairy industry has lost one of it's greatest. "
In loving memory of
Walter A. Meinholz
July 17, 2015
DEFOREST/ASHTON-Walter A. Meinholz, age 62, of DeForest/Ashton, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 17, 2015. He was born on August 21, 1952, to William and Dorothy (Miller) Meinholz. He married the love of his life, Nancy (Schmit), on December 13, 1991. He was a steward of the land and was dedicated to the family farm, Blue Star Dairy, in DeForest, Arlington and Middleton. Things that were most important to Walter were his faith, family, and farming. He enjoyed cross country skiing, golf, softball, fishing, but especially playing cards and spending time with friends and family. Walter was a parish member of St. Olaf's Catholic Church for many years. Walter served on the Board of Directors of Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Chairman of the Vienna Town Planning Commission, and Treasurer of the Alto Dairy Board. He also served on the Yahara Pride Farms Clean Lakes Alliance, many other community organizations, and the Army National Guard Reserves.
Walter is survived by his wife, Nancy; one son, Joe; four daughters, J'aime (Adam) Montanye, Nicole Valley, Angelique (Christopher) Hebbe, and Thérèse (Mark Stevens) Valley; three granddaughters, Rozlyn, Lydia, and Adeline; four brothers, Louie (Joanne), Albert (Linda), Eugene (Jenny) and Art (Lori); many nieces and nephews, as well as his cousin and good friend, Father John Meinholz. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Raymond.
A visitation will be held Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7121 County Trunk K, Middleton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held there on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 11:00 am. Father Brian Dulli and Father John Meinholz will concelebrate the Mass. There will also be a short visitation on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Friends and family are further invited to stay for a luncheon following the services. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of UW Health Systems, Meriter Hospital, and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care.
Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee
(608) 849-4513
Tributes
"Walter would have made a great politician. He always tried to be fair and looked out after the interests of the average Joe. Thanks that we knew you Walter. We know you will enjoy heaven! "
"My thoughts and prayers to the entire Meinholz family. One of my fondest memories will always be working with the family at their farms over the years. Walter was a wonderful man and I was honored to know him."
"Most of my contact was with Walter on Town PC. He was kind, listen, smart, reasonable and cared about the Town. There are so many things he did for the Town, way too long a list to mention or say thanks. The Town, I and certainly his family will all miss him. A very special person.. No one will ever replace him given his great love for the Town. "
"Being a classmate and friend of Walter at Middleton HS was very important to me. Although we walked different paths, he was in farming and I was in athletics, I quite fondly recall my admiration of his academic success and sincere manner. I recall thinking that he was destined to be a physician . . . but, I was wrong. Instead, he clearly followed the correct path for him, into agriculture. Although I only saw and chatted with Walter a few times in the many years since HS days, I always followed his great success in the dairy industry. Thru many common acquaintances, I frequently asked about "Walt" and was always happy to hear of his successes. My radar was always on for a new Walter encounter, but now this will have to wait . . . RIP, buddy . . . you made a difference."
"I met Walter through his volunteer activities at St. Ambrose Academy, when he assisted his wife in her projects on theater productions - she did beautiful work. In Walter we see how God generously gives us true examples of Christian virtue. His remarkable humility, kindness, generosity and tender love for his dear wife and family left a lasting impression that won't be forgotten. Our sympathy to them at this time. We are thankful that he can intercede for us now. "
"There are people in your life that truly impact it through their genuine faith and love of life like Walter. Walter was someone that led by his actions and genuine love of whatever he did. I remember first meeting Walter as he walked with his briefcase and quietly introducing himself with a nervous, softly spoken introduction. It was almost like he was apologizing for taking my time to say hello. Walter was such a humble man that I know he never considered what a huge impact he had on people. I will remember Walter as the gentle leader who lived his life serving God first with love for his family and his farming. It was a true blessing to have Walter as a friend and he will be missed by all. "
"Walter -- a great dairy farmer, bright and talented man, dear friend, cherished leader and humble mentor -- will be so deeply missed. He will be remembered most for his kindness and genuine ways. PDPW and the entire dairy community will miss his thoughtful leadership and vision. Walter's love for God, the land, farming and his family was obvious through his every action. Forever I will cherish your memory and friendship. "