Harlan Neil Walters

Harlan Neil Walters, age 80 of 211 Lehman Ave, Iron Mountain was called to his heavenly home on April 19,2015, when surrounded by his family, his weakened heart was laid to rest. He was born on April 20, 1934 to Howard and Mabel (Olson) Walters in the last house on Hughitt St. He attended Iron Mountain Schools and was a member of the Class of 1952. It was in Jr. High when he met his sweetheart Orice Theisen and married her in l951. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2011 at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norway hosted by their four children, Christy Pierce of Appleton, WI, Lennie (Lorrie) Walters of Quinnesec, Sally (Bill) Borga of Norway, MI and Timothy Walters of Iron Mountain. Along with his four children he leaves nine grandchildren, Heidi (Gary) McGeough and Ryan (Angela) Pierce of Appleton, Lennie II (Becky) Walters of Clearwater, FL and Mack (Nikki) Walters of Madison, Kimberly (Matt) Mollick of South Lyon, MI, Katie Borga of Sun Prairie, WI, Neil Borga of Kalamazoo, MI, Janay and Tori Walters of Kingsford. He leaves six great-grandchildren; Tyler and Austin McGeough, Ally and Adam Walters, and Dartagnan and Dace Mollick. He also leaves his two older brothers, Rodney (Arlene) Walter of Clovis, CA and Leslie Walters of Iron Mountain, along with his sister-in-laws Betty Brocker, Marge Nelson, and brother-in-law Wayne Theisen, as well as many loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death, along with his parents were an infant granddaughter Chelsea Rae Pierce, his son-in-law Jerry Pierce, and an infant brother. Harlan loved the Lord who he served daily in both his walk and talk. He was an active member of the community having served faithfully on the church council of First Lutheran Church and recently on the council of Bethany Lutheran Church, Norway, where he loved singing in the choir. He was also a part of the Thursday morning Mens Bible Study. He was a former Cub master of Troop 526, IMHS PTA President & past President of the Iron Mountain Lions Club. He is an active member of the Golden K Club, a member of the Golden Throats singers and for the past three years has been Chairman of the Golden K peanut fundraiser. He enjoyed being the ‘Happy Man’ at Golden K. Harlan was an avid golfer. In 1950-1951 he was the low medallist as a part of the IMHS golf team to win the very first Upper Peninsula High School golf tournament. He was pleased to have had two Holes-in-One at Oak Crest GC, where he was a member. Along with his wife they coordinated the very first Northern Great Lakes Synod Golf scramble, which has become an annual Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp Golf Fundraiser. In high school he was catcher for four years for the IMHS baseball team. Throughout his life he was a Detroit Tiger fan. Starting at the age of seven Harlan was a caddy at Pine Grove Country Club working up to Caddy Master. He delivered groceries for Jacques Grocery Store while in High School. He was a butcher at the Red Owl Store on Carpenter Ave and together with his brother, Les, owned and operated Walters Standard Oil Service Station. He was a brakemen for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, Milwaukee Journal Sales Manager, Branz Plumbing and Heating, Salesman and manager of Town & Country Sales and the Motor Company in Marinette, WI. He worked 17 years in almost all phases from its beginning at Dickinson Homes. In 1985 the dream of having his own business became a reality, when together with his life partner Orice, they founded Walters Windows introducing Vinyl Pro Windows to the UP. With the help of their children, they enjoyed their successful business until his retirement in 2000. He then had more time for golf, entering several Senior Golf tournaments, winning some, and being with golfing friends. He also enjoyed more time with family and grandchildren. Harlan loved life and was a people person ready to assist anyone if there was a need. He enjoyed telling jokes and stories whenever the opportunity arose. He was a lifelong Packer fan and was thrilled to receive an autographed Packer football with a card signed by Aaron Rodgers while he was a patient at Bellin Cardiology in January of 2014. Another highlight of his life was spending time at Walters camp where he shot his trophy buck in 1982. The family is grateful for the care given Harlan by Dr. M. Fuchs of Bellin Cardiology, Green Bay in the past year, to Dr. Mahadev for his many years of heart care, the late Dr. Ziemba who first diagnosed his heart failure and to Dr. McMahon who tended to his needs in the past year. We are especially grateful for the love and service given to Harlan and the family the past few months by OSF Hospice. We are also very thankful for the prayers and support of our extended family and friends. A “Celebration of Life” Service for Harlan will take place at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church –ELCA at 130 Odill St in Norway, MI on Friday May 1, 2015. Visitation will be from 2 to 4PM at Bethany, Memorial Service at 4 PM with a meal following. In lieu of flowers a Memorial in Harlan’s name will be established. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Harlan Walters online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Harlan Neil Walters

April 20, 1934 - April 19, 2015