Walter was born August 17, 1928 in Flushing, NY to Viola (Palm) and Walter Van Etten. After finishing high school where he was a standout track star, Walter joined the United States Air Force and served overseas in the post war era. Stationed in London, Walter met his beautiful bride Jeannette Mowforth at a London club where she was singing, “What is a Girl without a Guy”, on New Year’s Eve. Jeannette made the trip to the United States and they were married in New York in 1953. In the service, Walter became a meteorologist. After leaving the service, Walter worked for the National Weather Service for over 35 years as a chief meteorologist. His profession took Walter and his family across the country where they lived in Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Illinois, Columbus, OH, and Pittsburgh, PA finally settling in Indianapolis, IN. After retiring in 1987, Walter, Jeannette and their son Stephen retired in Port St. Lucie where they were extremely active. Walter was a member and officer of the Port St. Lucie Power Squadron, the Republican Club and NARFE (National Association of Retired Employees).
Walter enjoyed sports, history, politics and crossword puzzles. However, Walter’s true passion was his family. Walter was a father to five children, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was a devoted, loving, generous father and grandfather.
He will be deeply missed by his children, Linda Van Etten, Peter Nerad (son-in law), Stephan Van Etten, Victoria Hawthorne, Kurt Van Etten, Immie Van Etten (daughter-in law), Robin Van Etten and Leonard Policastro (son-in-law). His grandchildren, Brett Nerad, Lauren Nerad (wife), Ben Nerad, Courtney Mitchell, Cornelius Mitchell (husband), Adriel Van Etten, and Emily Policastro.
Walter was predeceased by his wife Jeannette and his longtime companion Joan Konight.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Aycock Funeral Home at Tradition and St. Lucie West Catholic Church.
Walter was laid to rest next to his wife at Forest Hills cemetery where he received full military honors for his service and dedication to his country.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18