Walter R. Garin, lifelong Kenoshan, died Friday, May 28, 2010 with his daughter, Paulette, at his side. Diagnosed with a rare incurable cancer 12 years ago, Walter defied his initial prognosis of having only 3 months to live through a combination of traditional medical therapies, alternative medicine and a strong faith in God. He was born March 26, 1936 in Kenosha, the son of Walter A. and Gladys (Barnes) Garin. He attended Weiskopf Elementary, Washington Jr. High and graduated from Bradford (Kenosha) High School in 1955. On June 10, 1961, he married Paulette C. Walters at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Kenosha. His beloved wife of 45 years passed away February 10, 2007. Walter worked for MacWhyte Wire Rope for 43 years starting in the furnace room and retiring as the shipping/receiving clerk. He was a member of UAW Local 960 and served as Treasurer for over 35 years. He also served as union steward, benefits representative, and recreation committee chair for Local 960. He retired from MacWhyte in 1999. Walter was elected and served as President of the Union Club Board of Trustees for over a decade. Under his leadership the former Union Club was sold to Kenosha County and the current Union Club on 39th Avenue was constructed. Even in retirement and until his death, Walter served as Local 960 delegate to the Southeastern Wisconsin UAW-CAP (the community action political arm of the UAW) and was a Board Member of the Southeastern Wisconsin UAW Retirees Council. Walter served as Campaign Treasurer for his daughter, Paulette’s, 2008 run for the United States Congress. Walter was a proud union member who supported worker’s rights and issues of social justice. Surviving Walter include his daughter, Paulette Garin of Kenosha; two sisters, Patricia (Richard) Nelson and Margarette (Bruce) Haubrich both of Kenosha; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 10:00 am in St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 2224 – 30th Ave. in Kenosha, with Rev. William Hayward, MIC officiating. Entombment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 4-7 pm and in the church on Saturday from 9-10 am.
brother Mike Underhill says
Maggie & Mick Young says
Paulette,
We extend our sincere condolences to you. Our prayers are with you.
mary land says
I was truly saddened when I woke up and read of Walter’s passing in the newspaper. He was a great man. I admired him very much. There will be an empty chair at our table–and I will really miss him. Bye, Walter. I am grateful that we crossed paths and I got to know you.
Jan Czuper says
Paulette, My deepest reguards go out to you today. I had so much fun with both your mom and dad, and my thoughts of them is how nice they were. Your dad served on the board of the Racine-Kenosha Area CAP Council for many years amd was always a great asset. He will be missed.
Charlene Reimer says
With all Walt’s friends and relatives, we celebrate his transition from a life of pain, suffering and still his service and love to his new life, reunited with his loving wife, Paulette in the presence of his Creator. It is we who are left here suffering with his loss. Walt was a kind and generous man … a model for many.
Mark T. Onosko says
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult of times. You dad will live on in our hearts. Great leaders are never forgotten.
-Mark
Boyd says
Paulette, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dr. Paul Schissler, DC says
Walt played his hand as it was dealt to him. He always had a smile on his face and a witty remark despite his daily battle. He was a model of grace in the face of struggle, and he will be missed by many, including me. Be strong Paulette, Dad would have wanted it that way. My condolences.
Karen Erb says
Paulette, our deepest sorrow on the loss of your beloved father. May he rest in peace and now at last be free of suffering.