Walter Martin Gruenbacher

Walter Martin Gruenbacher, age 97, passed away April 16, 2024.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Walter was born on June 26, 1926 in Waterloo, Kansas to Oscar and Ludwena (Gerber) Gruenbacher.  On October 19, 1948, he married Patricia Thimmesch at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ost, Kansas.  They celebrated their 75th wedding last year.  Walter was a WWII Veteran, serving in the merchant marines.  He was a lifelong farmer and Knights of Columbus member.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son, Dennis (Suzanne); daughters, Wilma (Michael) Kreitler, Kathleen May and Virginia (Michael) Patry; his 11 grandchildren, Shelley Stucky, Brent Gruenbacher, Kraig Kreitler, Krista Bloesing, Kim Brown, Troy May, Tamie May, Tonya May, Scott Patry, Clint Patry and Jill Thompson; and his 18 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Albert, Louis, Cyril, Maurice and Arthur; sisters, Dorothy Gruenbacher, Alice Martin, Marie Pierce, Bertha Simon, Laura Seiler and Inez Seiler; and his son-in-law, Victor May.

Rosary will be at 10:00 a.m., Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., both on Friday, April 19th, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (645 N 119th St. W, Wichita, Kansas 67235).

Memorials have been established with Knights of Columbus #2217 (P.O. Box 465, Andale, Kansas 67001); Faith Home and Hospice (7804 E. Funston Suite 203, Wichita, Kansas 67207); Sacred Heart Catholic Church (311 South 5th St. Colwich, Kansas 67030); St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (645 N. 119th St. W, Wichita, Kansas 67235).

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