Walton Eugene Brandt

Walton Eugene Brandt, 97 years, passed away Saturday morning, November 22, 2025. Wally was born in Marinette, WI on September 5, 1928, son of Albert and Anna (Olson) Brandt.

Raised in Marinette, where he met his wife Rita of 73 years, Wally served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Under the G.I. Bill, Wally graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a degree in business administration. His new job with Sears Roebuck and Co. took Wally and his young family to the Chicago area, first settling in Park Forest, then purchasing their first home in Elk Grove Village near O'Hare Field. One morning, while rushing to catch an early flight, Wally was waved through a side airport gate. Next thing the family saw were flashing lights and an intercom ordering Wally off the active runway.

Wally's Sears career as a merchandise buyer took the family to Berkeley Heights, NJ, where he worked out of the New York City office for four years. During that time, Wally took the family on many memorable road trips to Washington, D.C., to experience cherry blossom season, to the Seaside Heights, NJ ocean boardwalk, and to New York's Radio City Music Hall to see the famous Rockettes and Nutcracker ballet.

Wally and Rita missed the Midwest and returned in 1970, settling in Chicago suburb La Grange. When Sears Tower was being built, Wally took his sons to see the impressive excavation site of what upon completion in 1973 became the world's tallest building. On another visit to the completed tower, Wally and sons tested an early video phone system. As a young man, Wally played baseball as a catcher and subsequently took his sons to White Sox games at old Comiskey Park.

An annual highlight for Wally was driving the family every summer to Ellison Bay, where the kids climbed trees on the farm's rock fence and the family feasted on whitefish boils at the Viking Restaurant and lake perch at Sister Bay Bowl, while Wally enjoyed his beer or Manhattans.

In 1988, Wally and Rita made the move to Ellison Bay, where Wally kept active and made many friends through the Ellison Bay Men’s Club, helping to organize the festival parade and grill brats at Olde Ellison Bay Days. They were socially active in the local Kiwanis chapter, the Sons of Norway and the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.

Wally found solace and life meaning at his beloved Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church, where he  worshipped, read Scripture and helped with events. Wally enjoyed telling Scandinavian jokes at their social hour, and his hearty laughter would light up many a room.  

A personal, heartfelt shout-out goes to Jeff, Percy and Dorothea at Going Garbage where Wally was employed for 19 very enjoyable years. He was proud to be the yard attendant promoting recycling, directing people to their proper procedures and generally getting to know to everyone in town. He also enjoyed working for several seasons as host at Gills Rock Maritime Museum, where he delighted visitors with his enthusiasm and informative stories about Door County.

As lifelong Packers fans, Wally and Rita were thrilled when daughter Karen gifted them with tickets to the January 5, 2013 playoff game against the arch-rival Vikings. On a frigid day, with just a day's notice, they bundled up and excitedly drove from Ellison Bay to Green Bay. While exploring Lambeau Field before the game, a friendly staffer presented Wally and Rita an official certificate commemorating their first-ever Packers game.

Wally and Rita enjoyed many trips to the Pacific Northwest, where they visited family while exploring Seattle; the Olympic Peninsula; Portland, OR and the nearby Columbia River Gorge; and the magnificent Oregon Coast, where they were thrilled to stay at the Heceta Head Lighthouse bed and breakfast. Also, Chicago, Atlanta and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Weborg; his brother, Albert (Jean) of Gills Rock; and beloved daughter, Karen ( Alpharetta, GA). And their many beloved cats, dogs, barn cats, and raccoons, too numerous to name. Survivors include wife, Rita; sons, Jim (Sister Bay), John (Chicago), and Phil (Portland, OR); grandchildren, Megan (Matt), and Erin; great grandchildren, Ryan and Ashton; son-in-law, Kevin (all near Atlanta); and nephews and nieces, David (deceased), Sandy, Steven, Jerry, Linda and their spouses.

Last but not least, thank you from our family to friends, neighbors, church members, medical professionals and kind individuals for your countless hours of helping our parents through the challenges of advancing age.

Donations can be made in Wally’s name to Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Sister Bay is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Wally may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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