Walt Slanger

When reflecting on the overflowing and rich life of Walter Slanger, it is easy for all to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family and friends. Compassionate and generous, he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and he was a pillar of his community. Nothing brought Walt greater joy than spending time with his loved ones. His determination and solid work ethic allowed him to provide for those who depended on him. Though he will be dearly missed, Walt and his memory will forever be held close.

The 1920s were certainly some exciting years to be an American. The “Roaring 20s,” as the decade is known, saw a flourishing rise in great economic and social change. Motion pictures became widely available in color and sound, and ballroom dancing and jazz music became wildly popular as well. It was during this influential time that Matthew and Sophie (DeJager) Slanger, both immigrants from the Netherlands, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first baby. They were so happy to welcome their son, Walter Matthew, into their arms on September 7, 1928, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Walt’s childhood was a typical one of his generation in many ways. Growing up in the Great Depression was not easy. Walt’s father, Matthew, was a day laborer during those tough years, working as a street sweeper and in a furniture factory, while his mother, Sophie, tended to the family and home on Crosby Street NW. Walt was raised alongside his younger brother, William. The family were members of Trinity Reformed Church, and Walt attended Harrison Park School through the eighth grade. As a boy, he was known to get into his fair share of mischief, and he enjoyed hanging out with his neighborhood friends at Richmond Park. Walt won multiple medals in downhill skiing at the park’s Winter Festival.

To earn a little money, Walt got his first job picking strawberries and mucking onions. In his teenage years, he worked for BF Goodrich and Firestone retreading tires. As WWII raged, Walt began feeling the pull to serve his country, despite being only fifteen at the time. His father found a ‘36 Ford in a mechanic’s garage, hoping to keep Walt from enlisting, but there wasn’t much that could stop him. At 16, his father agreed to sign for him, and Walt joined the United States Navy. He went to boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, then served as a seaman on the USS Sevier in the Pacific. Walt didn’t end up seeing combat before Japan’s surrender marked the end of the war on September 2, 1945.

Walt met the girl who would later become his wife, Lois Ruth Graff, at the young age of 14 at Richmond Park. Over the years, their relationship flourished, and they fell deeper and deeper in love. Walt and Lois were united in marriage at Martini's on May 29, 1947. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon taking the Milwaukee Clipper from Muskegon to Wisconsin before settling into their first home on Alpine Avenue, a “flat” owned by Lois’ family. They would later purchase their forever home for $8,000. Walt and Lois went on to spend 56 years of marriage together.

Of all the things Walt loved in life, his family was his first and greatest priority. He was overjoyed to become a father to his seven children, William, Larry, Sheryl, Terry, Michael, Cindy, and Kimberly, into his heart and home. Walt thrived in his role as a father, and he strove to provide for his family. He raised the kids to help out around the house, instilling in them the importance of hard work. The Slanger family enjoyed a memorable trip to see the Mackinac Bridge after it was built in 1958. They also spent many weekends camping in a trailer at Hardy Dam. Later in life, Walt was thrilled to become a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and even a great-great-grandfather. He always considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Over the years, Walt was never afraid to work hard. He spent five years working for Automatic Screw and Kelvinator, then left the company to step into his career as a machinist at Lear Sigler in 1951. Walt dedicated the next 39 years to building his career, gaining much respect from his coworkers and employers before his retirement in 1990. In 1966, he began volunteering as a firefighter with the Walker Fire Department, and he went on to spend 25 years serving his community.

Later on, Walt was fortunate to once again find deep companionship with Patt Vandermaas. The two were first introduced at the American Legion and quickly discovered that they had much in common, including their large families. Together, Walt and Patt enjoyed twenty years of volunteering at the Veterans Clinic and Veterans Home, bowling, fish fry’s, vacations to Florida, and countless family gatherings. Walt also found a love for golf at the age of 40, and it became a passion that he nurtured for many years to come. He played in leagues and recreationally every chance he got.

With a journey that spanned times of plenty and times of want, times of war and peace, Walt never lost sight of what truly mattered through it all. He was a shining example of honesty and loyalty. A devoted family man, Walt’s loved ones were his pride and joy, and he held them close through the ups and downs of life. His sarcastic wit could bring a smile to anyone’s face, and he truly proved to be a man of his word. Though he will be greatly missed, Walt leaves behind a priceless collection of memories for his loved ones to hold close.

Walter Matthew Slanger, age 96, passed away at home April 7, 2025 with his family by his side. Walt was born September 7, 1928 in Grand Rapids to the late Matthew and Sophie (DeJager) Slanger. Walt was also preceded in death by his wife, Lois Slanger; and his brother and sister-in-law, William and Ruth Slanger. Walt proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. Walt is survived by his children, William (Lou Ann Palmer) Slanger, Larry (Marlene) Slanger, Sheryl (Steve) Plating, Terry (Shawn) Slanger, Michael (Marilyn) Slanger, Cindy (Rick) Burke, Kimberly (David Dyer) Slanger; 16 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; and his special friend of many years, Patt Vandermaas. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr NW. Friends may visit with family on Monday from 4-7 PM and on Tuesday beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. The family extends a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice and the care they provided Walt in his last days. Memorials may be made to American Legion Post 47 or to Gentiva Hospice. To read more of Walt’s Life Story, leave a memory or sign the guestbook please visit www.heritagelifestory.com