Walter Samuel Semeniuk was born on November 28, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois, the third of three sons to Stephen Semeniuk and Anna Olijnyk. After graduating from Steinmetz High School in May of 1940, he attended Illinois College for 2 years. In 1943 he joined the Marine Corps and was sent to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He remained at Miami University for only 1 semester, and was then sent to Paris Island for basic training. After basic training Walter was sent to New River, and then to Quantico for his advanced military training. His combat training occurred at Camp Pendleton, CA and from there he was shipped off to Guam with the 3rd Marine Division Baker Company. His duties didn’t end there, and next he was sent to Tientsin, China to join the (MP) 1st Military Police Company. During his time overseas Wally had been corresponding by letter with Joan Stephens, who would eventually become his wife.
After being discharged from the United States Marine Corps in 1946 Wally took a job at the Stephens Floor Covering Company, which was Joans family’s business. His learning wasn’t over so he then enrolled at the University of Southern California. Walter loved football and while at the University of Southern California, he tried out for, and made the football team, wearing the Cardinal and Gold of the Trojans for 2 years. Walter graduated from USC in 1948 with a major in business but remained at SC to take education classes as he wanted to become a teacher. That same year he married the love of his life Joan Stephens. Two and a half years later Joan and Walter had the first of their four beautiful daughters; Lucy, Lori, Carol and Ellen
Once Walter finished his education at USC, he took a teaching job at Jefferson Elementary in Pasadena, CA but then transferred to Wilson Jr High. He also taught at Arcadia High School for several years before finally moving his family to Newport Beach in 1962. Now living in Newport Beach, Wally began working at Westminster High where he became High School Counselor, which was his title for 17 years. Walter was an educator for 34 years and retired in June 1989.
Walter entered into eternal life on Friday October 29, 2010. He is survived by his wife Joan, his four daughters, Lucy, Lori, Carol, Ellen, and his 11 grandchildren. Walter was a very loving son, husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend. He will be dearly missed and will be in all of our hearts forever.
Arrangements under the direction of Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary FD1176, Corona Del Mar, CA.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18