Walter Wedo

Walter H. Wedo, 81, of Waukon died Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at his home. Funeral services were held Monday, May 2 at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Kim Gates officiating. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.

Walter Herman Wedo was born October 4, 1934 in Allamakee County, the son of Edward Henry and Doris Ethel (Ralston) Wedo. When growing up, Walter and his family moved around frequently and he spent his time between Iowa and California. In 1954, he graduated from Waukon High School, where he played on the undefeated football team. After high school, Walt worked for Feuerhelm’s in Waukon building truck boxes.

April 18, 1959, he married Gloria Rae Echard at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon. In 1967, Walt bought Chase Manufacturing in Luana, which assembled truck boxes and pallets. Never officially retiring, he owned Chase for 49 years.

Walt loved sports, particularly bowling and golf. He belonged to many bowling leagues and bowled a few 300 games; he was inducted into the Waukon Hall of Fame. Walt also belonged to the Waukon Country Club, played in many golf tournaments around the area, and once hit a hole in one.

He was a huge Chicago Cubs fan and would travel to Mesa, AZ to watch their spring training games. One of his proudest moments was playing golf with former Cubs players Ryne Sandberg and Mike Morgan; Walt also once took an opportunity to have a beer with basketball player Larry Bird. He enjoyed fishing and duck and pheasant hunting.
He and Gloria did quite a bit of traveling, especially to Las Vegas a couple times a year, and out west to visit family. Walt made friends everywhere he went and could strike up a conversation with literally anyone he met, which resulted in many friendships across the country.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria, of Waukon; his son, Erik Wedo of Waukon; a brother, James (Gloria) Wedo of Slayton, MN; two sisters, Ramona Miller of Rosemead, CA and Barbara McCormick of Russellville, KY; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Walt was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald and David Wedo.
Honorary casketbearers were Bob Kubitz, Andy Moore, Scott Kregel, Scott Oder, Brian Kerndt, Kevin Hoisington, Ben Holzwarth, Cory Huinker and Bill Waterworth.

Casketbearers were Wayne Martin, Bob Rotach, Loren Landt, Bud Strike, Dwain Wolter, Wayne Sawyer and John Hartley.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.