In Memoriam - Bruce J. Walthers, 1919-2007

Bruce J. Walthers was born in Plymouth, Wisconsin, on September 9, 1919 and left this world at his home in Solana Beach, California, on January 28, 2007, after a valiant battle with multiple cancers. He was preceded in death by his dear wife Barbara (nee, Banach) in 1991. Survived by loving wife and caregiver Marcia (nee, Obloy), six children of Bruce and Barbara: Bruce (Pat), Joanne Barsanti (John), J. Philip (Carole), Peter (Cathy), Judith, and Thomas (Jeanette), 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Also survived by a brother William (Geri), and sister Peggy Hooper (Jim). A sister, Dorothy Mae Bellew, died several years ago.

Bruce was actively involved in many different industry, civic and church groups, often serving as their diligent and hard-working President. A graduate of South Division High School, Milwaukee, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bruce served in the Navy during WWII as a meteorologist on Kwajelein Atoll in the South Pacific. After active duty, he continued to serve in the Navy Reserves at the Glenview Air Station achieving the rank of Commander.

Bruce's civilian career spanned 60 years at Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., a manufacturer of model railroad equipment founded by his father in 1932. He became President in 1958 and under his leadership the company became the largest distributor of model railroad products in the world. He successfully transferred the family business to the third generation in 1984, remaining active as Chairman of the Board of Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. to the present. He was a Board member and served as President of both the Model Railroad Industry Association and the Hobby Industry Association of America (HIAA). The HIAA awarded him their highest honors, the Meritorious Award of Honor and Lifetime Membership in recognition of his many years of service and significant contributions to the industry.

Bruce was a lifelong learner and mentor to others. Early in his business life he overcame a fear of public speaking by completing the Dale Carnegie training course. He used his new skills to help others do the same, both as a Dale Carnegie volunteer leader and later as an alumnus of the program. As a member of the HIAA Board, Bruce was often designated at the national meetings to interact on behalf of the association with the celebrity performing that year. He had fond memories of sparring on stage with Joan Rivers, Mel Torme, Bill Cosby, George Burns, Joel Grey, Alan King, Julie Budd, Vic Damone, and Billy Crystal. As the President of the Milwaukee chapter of the Council of Independent Managers and Organizer and President of the National Council of Independent Managers, he helped to strengthen the expertise of countless small business owners. A community leader, he served as a Board member of Cardinal Stritch University and Board member and President of St. Anthony's Hospital.

In retirement, Bruce was a frequent traveler, and participated in numerous Elderhostel programs. He stayed active by bicycling, researching family genealogy and serving as Board member and President of condominium associations in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, and Solana Beach, California. He was a founding member of Holy Family Parish in Whitefish Bay, served as President of the Holy Name Society and was a Parish and Regional Chair of the Catholic Family Movement. Bruce had a home in Solana Beach and was actively involved in the community there, especially at St. James Catholic Church. It was in one of the Small Church Communities in the parish that Providence provided that Bruce and Marcia would meet. They became Associates of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudist Associates) and Lectors at Sunday Mass. Bruce became facilitator of a Small Church Community.

A vigil will be held at St. James Parish in Solana Beach from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on Wednesday January 31, 2007. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am on Thursday February 1, 2007 at St. James Catholic Church (Solana Beach, CA).

Services will also be held in Milwaukee. More details will be posted once they become available.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Bruce's honor to St. James Catholic Church or the Eudist's (The Congregation of Jesus and Mary).


copyed from walthers web site