Walter P. Kunde, age 83, of Rhinelander, WI, died on November 25, 2021, after a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with family. He was born on April 30, 1938, in Milwaukee, WI, to Charles and Grace (Monroe) Kunde.

Walter, best known as Wally or Buddy, attended schools in the Milwaukee area, graduating from Custer High School in 1956. He then attended a steam fitting apprenticeship, which led to a long career as a steamfitter. He was a lifelong Mason, and a proud union member of Steamfitters Local 601. Wally worked for several companies, prominently Miller Brewing Co. He retired in 1995.

He married Shirley Zydowicz on August 27, 1962 in Milwaukee. They lived in Milwaukee, and then Brookfield, until moving to the Rhinelander area in 1995, where he has lived since. Shirley, his beloved 'Toots', preceded him in death in 2017 after a long battle with cancer.

Wally was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee and Brookfield, and then the First Congregational UCC Church in Rhinelander. He was a man of faith who believed in helping others whenever possible and was kind to everyone all the time.

Wally and Shirley were active in AFS. They hosted several students, and counseled and cared for many over the years, making a positive difference in their lives.

He loved watching sports, and was a true fan of the Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers.

Wally loved playing cards, particularly cribbage and sheepshead. His Rhinelander card playing group was near and dear to him.

Wally loved the outdoors. He was a member of a deer hunting group whose members became very close friends. He respected wildlife and enjoyed watching deer in the woods, and bald eagles soaring above the lake. But his true lifelong passion was fishing. He got so much happiness from hosting friends and family at his beloved lake home to take them fishing, and then sending them home with a cooler full of bluegills, crappies and sunfish, while he waved goodbye from his driveway with a big loving smile on his face.

His activities and hobbies were important, but above all, Wally was a devoted husband and father. Many people in this world lovingly called him 'Dad' or 'Papa Kunde'.

Wally is survived by his two sons Walter (Leslie) Kunde of Greendale, WI and Paul (Elizabeth) Kunde of Virginia Beach, VA, his adopted sons Roberto (Mary) Garcia of Mukwonago, WI and Blair Signorotto of Perth, Australia, his six grandchildren Lucas, Alexa, Logan, Ryan, Katie and Heath, nine great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends. Besides his wife, Shirley, he was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Grace Kunde, and his brother and sister-in-law Chuck and Nancy Kunde.

A Memorial Service for Wally will be held on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 3:00 PM, with visitation from 1:00 PM, until just prior to the service, all at Hartson Funeral Home, 11111 W. Janesville Rd., Hales Corner, WI (414-425-9797). Reverend Dr. Linda Morgan-Clement will officiate

You may leave your private condolences for the Kunde family at www.hartsonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation 'In Memory of Wally Kunde' to Wild Instincts, a wildlife rehabilitation center, located at 4621 Apperson Dr., Rhinelander, WI 54501 (715-362-9453).

Following the service, dinner and cocktails at Clifford's Supper Club, 10418 W Forest Home Avenue in Hales Corners, will be offered for guests and family members to have a chance to spend time together and remember Buddy in a more casual setting.