Obituary of Herman Waldmar

"Wally" Herman Waldmar Larson, 89 of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 29, 2015 at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek. Wally was born on December 5, 1925 in Evanston, IL to Herman S. and Marie A. Larson. Wally began his schooling in Evanston, IL. After his family moved to the Fort Atkinson area, he attended Star School in the Town of Koshkonong, St Pauls Lutheran School, and Fort Atkinson High School. Wally joined the US Navy prior to graduation from High School. He fought bravely in WWII as a coxswain in the gun mount of the USS Bunkerhill. Wally was aboard the ship when it was hit by kamikazes on May 11, 1945. Wally was honored to be asked to be part of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Oral History Program, (recordings from WWII Veterans) telling the story of his time spent on the Bunkerhill in hopes of preserving the history of the war for future generations. Earlier this year, Wally received his honorary High School diploma from the Fort Atkinson School District under a State of Wisconsin Veterans program. Wally married his �sweetheart�, Ione Ruth Hein, on May 1, 1948. They had a daughter and 2 sons that are very much loved. Camping was a large part of their family life. They joined the Blackhawk Campers and camped most weekends for many of the years prior to retirement. Wally retired from General Motors at the age of 55 and he and Ione moved to Ocean Breeze Park, Jensen Beach, Florida in 1980 and spent winters there. They would come back to Wisconsin to spend their summers with family and friends. They returned to Fort Atkinson as full time residents in May of 2013. In his younger years, Wally was a pilot and enjoyed flying his planes. As he grew older, he enjoyed attending Fly-In breakfasts and reading about and watching shows about planes. Wally very much looked forward to spending each Sunday morning at the Jefferson Speedway walking the Flea Market. He also enjoyed polka and blue grass music. He is survived by his wife Ione (Hein) Larson of Fort Atkinson, daughter Mary Anne (Larry) Peter of Lake Mills, daughter in-law Joanne Larson of Fort Atkinson, grandson's Robert (Christine) Peter of Lake Mills, Scott (Jayne) Peter of Watertown, Adam (Shanna) Larson of Fort Atkinson, and grand-daughter Anna (Kevin Dresdow) Calloway of Fort Atkinson. Also surviving are his great grandchildren: Olivia Peter, Nathan and Jason Peter, Justin and Cassidy Larson, Alexandrea, Madelyn, and Jack Calloway. Wally also has a large extended family including many nieces and nephews, many cousins and brothers and sisters in law and many close friends. He was preceded in death by sister Nan. He also lost both of his sons, Larry L. Larson and Gary L. Larson, in 2014. The Larson family would like to thank Rainbow Hospice for all of their loving support during his final days. Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family. A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 6 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home on Friday October 9, 2015 and on Saturday October 10, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Atkinson, WI from 10 to 11 AM, with a service at 11 AM.