Service Information
Michael A. Walz, age 78, of Brownton, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2019, at his home in Brownton.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Monday, August 12, 2019, from 2:00-4:00 P.M. at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
Burial will be on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at 12:45 P.M. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Obituary
Michael Anthony Walz was born on July 29, 1941, in Saint Joseph, Minnesota. He was the son of Francis and Marcella (Theisen) Walz. Michael was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth in the Catholic faith. He received his initial education in Saint Joseph. He furthered his education by receiving some college credits during his military career.
Michael entered active military service in the United States Army on February 10, 1960. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a tracked vehicle mechanic and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver and three Bronze campaign stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After fourteen years in the Regular Army, Staff Sergeant Walz was Honorably Discharge on May 7, 1974 at Fort Riley Kansas. In April 1981, Michael enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard and served another fifteen and a half years during the Persian Gulf War era before finally retiring on October 12, 1995 at the rank of Sergeant First Class having been awarded three more Good Conduct Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, and numerous reserve component awards including the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Michael’s service to the Nation spanned a total of nearly thirty years.
On May 19, 1971, Michael was united in marriage to Mary Jane I. Walz at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City, Kansas. This marriage was blessed with two children, Greggory and Marcie. They resided in Kansas for twenty four years and then made their home in Brownton, Minnesota. Michael and Mary Jane shared 48 years of marriage.
Michael was a longtime farmer and was also a skilled mechanic and builder. Michael was a member of the VFW Post 7266 in New Auburn, Minnesota, the Brownton American Legion Post 143, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the DAV #37 in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and the Brownton Rod and Gun Club.
Michael enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed farming, mowing lawn, and picking rock in the fields. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends. He had a talent for building and was currently building a cabin for his family.
Michael passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2019, at his home in Brownton, at the age of 78 years. Blessed be his memory.
Michael is survived by his:
Spouse, Mary Jane I. Walz of Brownton, MN;
Children, Marcie Dedic and her husband, George, of St. Cloud, MN,
Greggory Walz and his wife, Kathleen, of Abilene, KS;
Grandchildren, Jessica Walz and Nicole Walz;
Siblings, Roman Walz and his wife, Rose, of NC,
Anthony Walz of Redwood Falls, MN,
Lawrence Walz and his wife, Carol, of Hutchinson, MN;
Dennis Walz of Brooten, MN,
Melvin Walz and his wife, Shirley, of St. Cloud, MN,
Kevin Walz and his wife, Marty, of Clearwater, MN,
Andy Walz and his wife, Jean, of GA,
Dolores Brown of Montrose, MN,
Thomas Walz and his wife, Kathy, of St. Cloud, MN,
Nicholas Walz of NC,
Many other relatives and friends.
Michael is preceded in death by his Parents, Francis and Marcella Walz; and Sister, Rose-mary Lang.
Shirley & Mel Walz says
Our condolences to the family. We will miss Mike but he will be with us each day in our prayers and memories. We love you.
Duane Berglund says
Sorry for your loss. Mike was a good guy.May he RIP. We give him thanks for his service to our country. Duane & Barb Berglund
Jessica Walz says
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!)
– Mary Elizabeth