Walter Zitzke Obituary
Walter Zitzke found peace on, August 3, 2023, at the age of 92. He was born in Milwaukee on February 17, 1931 to Walter Sr. and Sally Zitzke. He is survived by his wife Suzanne LaFleur Zitzke; his daughter Pamela McCarthy; his grandson Dean Hoffman Jr. (Katie), and great grandchildren Porter and Clover. He is also survived by his step-children: Cherie LaFleur, Gail Junemann (Thomas), Linda LaFleur, Joel Winchester; and his step-grandchildren: Davis Junemann (Catherine), Katie Thompson (Aaron), Connie Meeks, Ginger (Justin) Staley, Kane (Teresa) Stoiber, Mathew (Angie) Hutchinson, Daniel Hutchinson (Sara), Nena Hutchinson, Lynea Hutchinson and Marshall Hutchinson; and his many great step-grandchildren: Nolan, Elliot, Allie, Grant, Carson, Braden, Cole, Mitchell, Brady, Brenna, Noah, Aurora (Anthony), and his great, great step-grandchildren: Danica, Dakota and Dallas. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and special family friends Rita (Bill) Forester.
Walter is preceded in death by his parents Walter Sr. and Sally Zitzke, his first wife Nancy Darlene Couey, his daughter Debra Denise Zitzke on 12/27/21, his step-grandson Jacob Kirchberger on 7/28/2018, his step-son Thomas Hutchinson on 10/14/21, and his sister Elaine (Joseph) LaFleur.
Walter graduated from Wauwatosa East High School in 1949 and served in the Air National Guard from 1951-1953. He did masonry work in the construction industry until he was hired on 5/21/64 as a firefighter for the City of Glendale Fire Department. He retired on 2/28/87.
Walter's driving force in life was the game of golf. He was a talented golfer and was proud of his course record of 64 obtained at Milwaukee's Currie Golf Course! With a love of golf, Walter and Suzanne moved to Florida so he could golf year-round! They came back to Wisconsin because they missed their extended family, and Walter could no longer hold a golf club with confidence, due to acute arthritis. They moved to the Highlands of Woodlands in Menomonee Falls for years, then moved a block north on November 30, 2022 to assisted living at The Arboretum. Then on June 20, 2023, Walter was moved to its Memory care area, under VITAS hospice care where he passed away on August 3, 2023.
A decade ago, Walter and Suzanne arranged a prepaid advanced end of life plan here at Schmidt and Bartelt in Menomonee Falls. Walter did not want a traditional funeral, but he did agree to have a military tribute at the beautiful Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin. His wishes were to be placed in a columbarium outside, overlooking the peaceful golf-like terrane. This will take place on Friday, September 1, 2023 at 2PM.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Arboretum for its special support for Walter, and the hospice care team at VITAS Healthcare for its kindness and compassionate care.
With Walter's love of golf, kindly send any memorials in his name to the First Tee program where children learn how to golf and how to grow up in life with confidence.
https://firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org You Will Make a Difference Your donation directly impacts the kids we serve and the skills they develop in First Tee. You are helping to give kids the tools that will last them a lifetime and empower their future through the game of golf.
Graveside Service Friday, September 01, 2023 2:00 PM Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery 21731 Spring Street.
