Dr. Dennis J. Walter
January 16, 2015
Dr. Walter was born May 19, 1927 in Freeman, South Dakota, the son of Johnnie M. and Mary L. (Bowen) Walter. He died January 16, 2015, at Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston surrounded by his wife and sons.
He graduated from Freeman High School in 1945. He enlisted in the Army in 1946. Following basic training, he was assigned to the Army 11th Airborne stationed in northern Japan. He was discharged in 1948.
Dr. Walter received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota in 1952 and a Medical Degree from the University of Iowa in 1954. He served an internship at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines 1954-1955.
On August 12, 1953 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Rossman at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton, South Dakota. Of that union five sons were born.
In 1955, he began his solo practice of Family Medicine in the Highland Park area of Des Moines. In 1978, he left his practice to join the faculty of the Family Practice Residency program at Broadlawns Medical Center. While at Broadlawns, he later became Medical Director as well as providing medical care at the Women’s Correctional Center in Mitchellville. He retired from Broadlawns in 1999. Following his retirement, he continued to provide staffing at the Residency program when needed. He also provided medical care as needed at the Primary Health Clinics.
Dr. Walter devoted time to medical organizations as well as to the community. He served as Chief of Staff at Mercy Medical Center in 1968. He was an active member of the Polk County Medical Society, the Iowa Medical Society (Pres 1987-88), the American Medical Society (delegate from Iowa), the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians (Pres 1972-73), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (delegate from Iowa). He served on numerous boards including Dowling Catholic High School. He was a longtime member of All Saints Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
He was especially fond of dogs and had numerous ones during his life time (special dog “Toby”) and surviving dog “Duke.”
Dr. Walter is survived by his wife, Dorothy; sister-in-law, Jane Kugler (Roger); sons, William (Dianna), Robert, Patrick (Teresa), Michael (Elizabeth), and Dennis II; grandchildren, Amy, Robert (Krystal), and Susan Walter and their mother Nancy Walter, Emily and Elizabeth Walter, Tom, Erin and Eleanor Walter, and Kyle Walter and his mother, Amy Irelan and her children, Tyler, Tanner and Katie, and great-grandson Jackson Walter. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Jr. (infancy), and brother, Robert L. Walter.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue in Des Moines, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 4-7 p.m. at All Saints. A Rosary will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a prayer service to follow.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following: All Saints Catholic Church, Dowling Catholic High School, Broadlawns Medical Center Foundation, or Bishop Drumm Care Center.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Nancy Beechum
01/21/2015
My husband, Richard, and I, have missed Dr. and Mrs. Walter at the Drake women's basketball games this season. Sorry to hear of his passing. God bless.
Arnie and Alanna Fenske
01/20/2015
Saddened by your call, Dorothy,but appreciate your thinking of us in spite of the grief and pressures at this time. Also a thank you for previous call. We are so thankful for the great time together at the Reunion. Just 2 days ago while reviewing some of my I-Pad picture album saw you and Denny on the UI stadium scoreboard! A great loss,but a well lived life that was of benefit to so many of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss. Arnie and Alanna
Diane and Greg Schmidt
01/20/2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dennis will be greatly missed as an honorary member of the All Saints choir.
Bob Lehrkamp
01/20/2015
I was saddened the hear of his passing. He was a very kind and gentle man, that I had the privilege to know threw church and being my golf partner in a golf league. It eas a joy talk with him, always had a way to make you laugh. I will miss him very much. I'm so sorry for your lost and he will always be in my heart.
Mary Erickson
01/20/2015
I worked with Dr. Walter at ICIW for several years. He was always very professional, caring, and firm in a kind way. He will be fondly remembered. You will be in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
JoAnn Leach (Williams)
01/20/2015
I was saddened to hear the news of Dr. Walter passing on. I used to work for him many years ago at Broadlawns and would see him from time to time after that. It has been many years, but I thought of him often, and I dont see that changing. He was a very caring man and great boss. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Tim Olson
01/20/2015
Dr. Walter was one of the kindest men I ever knew. He was an inspiration to those who worked with him. He will be missed.
Debra McCormick Stephenson
01/19/2015
Dorothy,
I had the most respect and admiration for Dr. Walter, Dennis. He was truly a kind and caring person. Dorothy,you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You and Dennis have always been a "ROCK" for our family and I'm saddened by the news. Peace and comfort to all you.
MARTY WEST
01/19/2015
the first face I saw coming into the world was yours-I still remember you coming to our house for sick calls-I was so happy to run into you at Broadlawns a few years back-
You will be missed-Peace and comfort to your family~~
Willis F & Bonnie S. Fry
01/19/2015
Dorothy & Boys: Please know how very sorry Bonnie and I were to learn of Denny's passing. It was my great pleasure to have worked with Denny during my ten years at BMC. Together we enjoyed many challenges, triumphs, and yes a few arguments, but they always ended with a laugh together. We also enjoyed sharing stories of our mutual good friend, Dr. Al Dolan. While distance will keep us from Denny's Funeral Services and Mass, please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers GOD BLESS, Bill & Bonnie
Mary Magnusson
01/19/2015
I saw Dr. Walters obituary in Sunday's paper. Memories flooded my mind as a child getting my shots at his office. Seeing him at Mass. I remember his boys at All Saints School. Reading his obituary I was impressed on how dedicated he was to the Catholic Church. He seemed to have a inner belief in his faith that was strong. Last time I saw him was in 2010 at Broadlawns. I never brought it up that I knew him from Church or as my childhood Doctor. I liked him because well, he had a special kind of heart/soul about him that God touched. "Peace be with you."
Barbara Moran Spong
01/19/2015
Dr. Walter was so good to our family. I believe my grandmother, Ida Moran, was one of his first patients in the 50's in the little office on Euclid. She was a double amputee, and Dr. Walter was so kind and professional. Our family has always thought so highly of him. My thoughts are with the Walter family.
Linda Westendorf Schafer
01/19/2015
Dr. Walter delivered my son in 1967. Dr Walter always teased that I named my son after him....Joel Dennis because Joel was Dr Walter's middle name. I have fond memories of the caring and patient physician that he was. May he rest in peace. Sincere condolences to his family.
Marcene & Carl Grant
01/19/2015
Dr Walter delivered our daughters in1958 and 59. Remembered for his kindness and Patience with a new mother.
Michael Carlson
01/18/2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Having grown up in All Saints parish in the 50s and 60s I remember your family well. I am sure you knew my parents, Glenn and Genevieve Carlson. My prayers are with you.