Walter Theodore Feldt
March 7, 1943 -
January 13, 2019
Professor Walter T. Feldt (Mr. Sony) passed away at his home on Sunday, January 13th. He was 75.
Walt was born on March 7, 1943, in Queens, New York. He grew up on Long Island, and graduated from Cooper Union with his bachelor’s degree. Post graduate work was at Northwestern University where he earned his PhD.
He was a Professor of Engineering at UW Parkside from 1969 until his retirement in 2006. He was honored for many leadership and advisory roles at the University.
But his survivors, his friends, will remember him for many many other roles. He was a brilliant man, an avid reader and an electronics expert, a photographer, and he was passionate about politics. He was a mentor, a colleague, a techie, an engineer, an “uncle” to many. To those who loved him, he was a friend who connected with people of all ages and backgrounds – he was a people magnet. From Parkside to his home, from Ashling’s to the Yardarm, he was beloved. And he connected people with each other, leaving us all with a community of people who will miss him always, and who will have stories to share for the rest of our lives.
He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Eleanor (Hauschild) Feldt, and his sister Penelope, and many dear friends.
Service Info
A Memorial Service honoring Walter’s life will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue, Kenosha, WI.
Posted by:
Dennis StevensinA fond salute to Walter. We were most of the engineering department at UW-Parkside for several decades, making a very productive and harmonious team. I know that his influence will continue to be felt(!) through the lives of his many students. We were out of town at the time of his death and I regret missing his service. Farewell, Mr. Sony.
Posted by:
Tony CulmoneI haven’t seen Walt for, perhaps, 35 years. We communicated primarily through Christmas cards. I was shocked to learn of his passing a few days ago. Walt and I were friends all through high school. We lived two blocks apart in the town of Westbury, Long Island. I knew his family well, including his sister Penny. After high school Walt and I both went off to The Cooper Union for college. Cooper was a commuter school and Walt and I had a one-hour commute on the Long Island Railroad and NYC subway to get to classes. Often, my father would drive Walt and me to the RR station on his way to work One of Walt’s hobbies/obsessions through his high school years was audio recording He had a large reel-to-reel tape recorder with which he recorded and catalogued all the popular songs of the era. I suspect that he continued this activity, or one very similar, long after high scool Walt was a helpful friend He had learned to type, I hadn’t On several occasions, both in high school and at The Cooper Union, Walt typed papers for me. He was a good guy Tony
Posted by:
Audrey and DickKeehn and familyWalter started at UW-Parkside about six months after Dick did and we became close friends soon after. Walter came often to our home to visit and for dinner. To our four children (Steve, Peter, Jim and Katy) he was Uncle Walter. For years Dick’s office was next to Walters, making daily contact easy. Aud and Dick spent one to two weeks in Door County every summer from the early 1980s to the early 2000s and Walter visited us almost every summer. Beginning about 2007 we started spending five months in La Quinta, CA from December to May and Walter spent time with us there almost every year. Water attended Steves wedding in New Orleans, Jims in Milwaukee and Peters in Bethesda, MD. In fact he is included in the family picture at Peters. Since retiring in 2000, we continued to see Walter often in Racine, Door County, and La Quinta. We enjoyed his Sunday get togethers and July 4th and Super Bowl parties. Walter loved dining out and we have pleasant memories and pictures of the many restaurants we frequented together. Since the news last Sunday, we have said many times we should call Walter to talk about that before remembering we can no longer do that. Walter will be missed by all of us as a true friend and almost family member. Audrey, Dick, Steve (Holly), Peter (Laura), Jim (Kelly) and Katy Keehn
Posted by:
Ashling on the LoughWalter you will be deeply missed by everyone here at Ashling. "May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand." Irish Blessing
Posted by:
Will LiggettWalter was always kind and generous to me,a friend.I will miss him.
Posted by:
Alice FeldtRest in Peace Walter. We love you and will always remember you. We'll remember the wonderful Christmas dinners years ago and can't thank you enough for being the Best Man at mine and Davids wedding in 1981. The day I became a Feldt. We will especially miss looking forward to your yearly calendar. Mr. Gadget, pipe and Old Fashions you are truly a man who will be missed by many. You are blessed with many friends of whom I know dearly, you loved so much. Hopefully our son, your second cousin, was there to greet you. PS: we are still living next door to your home. Until we meet again...
Posted by:
John WeissWalter was one of my college professors back in the late 80s. While I only had a few of his classes, we developed a friendship that has lasted over 30 years. He always took an interest in whatever crazy adventure was next on my list - either business or pleasure. It was fun to get his reaction and I loved fielding his questions - never judging. To say he had a zest for learning and life was an understatement. I'm still shocked that we won't be seeing him for lunch this Saturday and saddened that I missed last Saturday...
Posted by:
Holly HessWalter was our neighbor for many years. He was a friendly and well-liked member of the neighborhood and we will miss seeing him.
