Walter Kalmbach

Walter Alwin Kalmbach, age 80, passed on Friday, December 28, 2007. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, of 56 years. He is survived by his sister, Phyllis and children, Kevin and his wife, Debbie, and their children, Marla and Kayla, and Ann Kalmbach Moore and her husband, David, and their children, Jeff and Megan. Walter was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and grew up in Grass Lake, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Landscape Architecture. While at MSU he lettered in cross country and track and was an active member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He received a plaque of recognition in 2005 for his long term involvement with the MSU Varsity Club. He married Virginia Ann Richards in September 1950 and they moved to Saginaw where Walter worked as a planner for the City of Saginaw. After several short term moves to San Antonio, Texas, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, and Anchorage, Alaska, courtesy of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, they returned to Saginaw to reside and raise a family. Walter resumed his position with the City of Saginaw and served on several planning boards. In addition, he enjoyed using his Landscape Architecture skills performing consulting work for various individuals. Walter became an accomplished wood carver under the tutelage of Georg Kielhofer of Frankenmuth. Walt and Virginia moved to Grand Rapids in 1989 to be near their two children and their families. His hobbies included wood carving, wood working, gardening, landscaping, fishing, hunting, and helping his family with various projects. He was an avid reader and very interested in sports and history. He was a wonderful husband and father and will be sadly missed by his family. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to The Alzheimer's Association - Greater Michigan Chapter or Pilgrim Manor. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Zaagman Memorial Chapel