Walter H. “Wally” Wilhelmi

He was born on July 25, 1927, in Abbotsford, Wis., son of Frederick and Amelia Wilhelmi. He graduated from high school at Sturgeon Bay, Wis., and enlisted in the US Navy. He served in Guam until the end of World War II.

Wally was united in marriage to Joyce Sternhagen on July 23, 1954, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Florence. They shared a long and wonderful life together until her passing in 2018. Wally was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and served as treasurer for many years, as well as an usher and council member. Walter was employed as an underground ore miner until the Upper Peninsula underground mines closed. He then worked at the Randville open pit mine until he retired. His free time was spent fishing, gardening, mushroom and berry picking, and hunting with a group of special friends at their LaMontagne Camp.

Survivors include his two daughters, Cheryl (Vilas) Schroeder of Jackson, Wis., and Paula (Dick) Leffler of Florence; six grandchildren, Luke (Gail) and Matt (Jodie) Schroeder, Sarah Steinke, Rachel (Adam) Porath, Jimmy Wilhelmi, and Kasey (David) Gaston; 12 great-grandchildren; one brother, Earl (Carol) Wilhelmi; and one sister, Shirley Luehrs.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; a son, Mark Wilhelmi; brother, Ken Wilhelmi; sister, Arlene Sternhagen; and a grandson, Adam Schroeder.

Visitation for Wally will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 524 Olive Ave. in Florence, followed by an 11 a.m. service with Pastor Jason Liebenow officiating. Donations in Wally’s memory may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Condolences to the family of Wally Wilhelmi may be expressed online at www.ernashfueralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.