Walter Owens

Walter W. Owens was born to Ernest and Emma (Voortman) Owens on September 14, 1911 in Meredosia, Illinois. He was the first of four children, supported by their father who worked the family farm while his mother cared for the children at home. As a young man, Walter also farmed and enjoyed the activities of outdoor life, especially hunting and fishing. However in his 20s, he made a decision to leave farming and went to work for the railroad, installing utility poles. He soon found his niche in manufacturing and made it his life’s work.

The shoe industry in Chicago honed Walter’s skills for a career in manufacturing. He gained such knowledge and experience that, during World War II, he was awarded a draft deferment so that he could work stateside at McDonald Aircraft. Later, Walter got a job with United Shoe Machinery and was eventually transferred to Holland, Michigan to set up the Hush Puppy Shoe factory in Rockford. When he retired after 30 years of service, Walter was presented with an Indian head plaque because all his fellow employees called him Chief. Throughout his career, Walter was well respected for his considerable knowledge and noble work ethic.

In his family life, Walter was blessed with two wonderful children in a marriage that ended in divorce after 35 years. He remained a devoted father to Richard and Norma throughout their lives.

In time, Walter had the good fortune of meeting Genevieve Fryling while dining at a Ponderosa Restaurant. The two became acquainted on the spot and ended up exchanging phone numbers. They dated for some time and were married at the home of Genevieve’s brother, Howard, on September 17, 1966. They lived on Nancy Street and later Murry Street in Kentwood, Michigan. In time, they moved to Hayword, Wisconsin for 11 years but returned to Grand Rapids and settled into Clover Ridge Senior Community, where Walter lived out his days.

Walter loved working in the yard and puttering around in his workshop, whether he was fixing or building from scratch. One amazing enterprise was a van that he converted into a motor home. During his retirement years, he spent hours outfitting it with cabinets, a bed and curtains. It was beautiful, and he and Genevieve thoroughly enjoyed traveling in it as they toured the country, from Texas to Florida, Arizona to Washington and more. With these interests, it’s no wonder Walter liked to read his many, many National Geographic, Woodworking and Popular Science magazines.

Walter was a devoted family man, a faithful Christian and a dedicated member of Berkley Hills Wesleyan Church. He loved his Lord, and his faith was nurtured by traditional Christian hymns he enjoyed so much. Walter was a quiet and sincere man, who lived out his commitments to God and his family.

About 2003, Walter began to experience health problems. His vision began to fail and there came a time when he could no longer work on his projects. Then in 2005, he developed a heart aneurysm. When he later suffered a heart attack, he was admitted to Allendale Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. More recently, Walter became tired and very weak. On Sunday evening, January 27th, he was taken to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids with pneumonia. On Wednesday, January 30, 2008, Walter died at 12:45AM, with his wife Genevieve and his daughter Debra by his side. He was 96 years old.

Mr. Walter W. Owens was a bright, knowledgeable, hard working man who will be greatly missed.

Walter was predeceased by one brother. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Genevieve Owens (Fryling); his children; Dick (Laurie) Owens, Norma Jacobs, Sandra Beaty, Ed Mulder, Debra (Ken) Watkins; 12 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; his sister, Leona Pahlmann; his brother, Donald Owens; nieces, nephews and many friends. Cremation had taken Place. A memorial service to celebrate Walter’s life will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 11:00 AM at Berkley Hills Wesleyan Church, 1670 Ball Ave. NE Grand Rapids, 49506. Interment in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Contributions in his memory to Berkley Hills Wesleyan Church would be appreciated. To leave a memory of Walter or to sign his guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com