He joined us as a V-12 premed student in 1943 and claims to have “rubbed shoulders with Einstein” before receiving a medical degree at Wisconsin, where Anita “trapped him” (her words) into a wonderful marriage. A busy Milwaukee practice in pulmonary medicine followed, coupled with publication of acclaimed research that led to lectures and consultations far and wide. During this time, Walt was recalled to doctor Marines in Korea for a few years.
Milwaukee’s blizzard of 1975 prompted Walt and Anita to move to Miami, where he continued research, headed a new hospital department, was appointed to its board of directors, and was named its “person of the year” in 1990.
At age 70, Walt retired and determined to live “otium cum dignitate” — which he did, engaging in reading, taking courses at Miami University, and serving as a sage to the Bible class at his church. There also were frequent visits to his beloved tree farm in northern Wisconsin, where Walt enjoyed nature.
Anita died in 2007. Despite this loss, Walt soldiered on, enjoying the love of his daughter Madalyn, and her two sons. She reports that he died peacefully in his sleep Dec. 7, 2008. We send Madalyn and Walt’s grandsons this heartfelt tribute.