Walter Wend died at the age of 94 from complications of cancer in his home at The Bridge in Mount Vernon, Washington, on January 3, 2017. Walter was born in St. Charles, Michigan, on December 3, 1922, to Theodore "Pete," and Sophie Wend. Following graduation from St. Charles High School, and with the outbreak of World War II, Walt entered the U.S. Army, eventually serving in the Signal Corps on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. Following the war and thanks to the G.I. Bill, Walter was able to enroll in and eventually graduated (Masters in Arts 1953) from one of his lifelong loves, the University of Michigan. He was a proud Wolverine throughout his life.

Walter married Verna June (Gilbert) on August 19, 1950, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they both worked for the Grand Rapids Public Schools. Barbara Jean Wend (1952), Charles Warren Wend (1954), and Daniel Gilbert Wend (1957), were all born in Grand Rapids to Walt and Verna. The family made a brief sojourn to Monroe, Michigan, returned to Grand Rapids for a brief stay, and ultimately settled in Berrien County, Michigan, where Walter served as the Director of Special Education for the Berrien County Intermediate School District. Walter served as President of the Michigan Speech and Hearing Association and President of the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children. It was in Baroda and Stevensville, both in SW Michigan, where Walt and Verna raised their family. They also purchased a home and property on Lake Leelanau near Traverse City, where Verna had grown up. After retirement, Walt and Verna divided their time between Stevensville and Lake Leelanau, sharing time with the "kids" at the "cabin" retreat playing Scrabble, Euchre, and Bocce Ball.

Walt was devastated when Verna, his wife of 30 years, died unexpectedly. In 1981, Walt and longtime family friend Patt Moynihan were joined in marriage. Walt and Patt started to build their new life, becoming "Snowbirds," moving south to Florida in the winter and splitting summertime between Stevensville and Lake Leelanau. Eventually, Walt and Patt became full time Floridians, residing in Rotonda West, Florida. Walt and Patt loved their three bedroom home with a solar heated pool, and for many years they were able to share that life with their combined families. After 25 happy years together, Patt passed away in 2006 and Walt remained in Florida until 2013, when he moved to Mount Vernon, Washington to be closer to his adult children and grandchildren. Walter lived at The Bridge Assisted Living until his passing on January 3.

Walter was a man of many interests and talents. He was a student of the English language, and it mattered not whether you were the President or the Pope, if you used incorrect grammar you would hear about it. Walter was engaged in politics and science, and besides spending his life as a dedicated progressive Democrat, he loved to garden and grow all kinds of fruits and vegetables. He was a talented accordion player and played the trumpet in the Army band. There was nary an instrument that Walt couldn't pick up and after a few minutes produce some recognizable tune. Walt was a pretty amazing whistler too. He was able to mimic numerous birds, and he loved causing people to turn in wonderment at the songbird singing indoors.

Walter is survived by his younger brother Eugene "Babe" Wend, daughter Barbara Wend, his son Charlie Wend and his wife KarenSue, son Daniel Wend and his wife Barbara McMichael. His grandchildren include Mathew Bryan Wend and his wife Bailey, Megan June Wend, Clara Wend McMichael, and Henry Wend. Walter is further survived by his stepsons Patrick (Cynthia) Moynihan, Thomas (Maria) Moynihan, and Kevin (Kathy) Moynihan, and by 9 grandchildren on the Moynihan side: Daniel Moynihan, Kristopher (Jen) Moynihan, Karyn (Craig) Berens, Lisa Moynihan, Jackie Moynihan, Michelle Moynihan, and Monica Moynihan, and two great-grandchildren: Kamrin Moynihan and Joshua Moynihan.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter's memory may be made to Hospice of the NW in Mount Vernon, WA.