Walter “Walt” Silvernale 85, died October 26, 2022 at Schowalter Villa in Hesston
Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday November 2, 2022 at St. Mary Catholic Church
With The Reverend Andrew Bergkamp and The Reverend Jorge Lopez Celebrants
Rosary will be 6:00 p.m. Tuesday November 1, 2022 at Petersen Funeral Home the family receive friends following Rosary
Walt entered Paradise on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, surrounded by family.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lois, 6 daughters, Kari Silvernale, Kristi Silvernale, Kandace Silvernale (Warren Willis), Kim Silvernale-Wagner (Tim Wagner), Karla Silvernale, and Kelli (Justin Schrag), 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. He also is survived by sisters Mary Ann Heieren, Kay Dahlke (Mike), Sally Green (Les) and sister-in-law Kathleen Silvernale. He was preceded in death by a son, Kurtis Allen Silvernale, parents, Walter and Mary Silvernale, Brother Kayo Silvernale and 2 baby brothers, as well as brother-in-law’s Craig Heieren, Don Johnson, Bud Mulder and sister-in-law Sally Johnson. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Walt “Smokey” was born on November 25, 1936 in Currie Township, Minnesota. He attended and graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School in Currie, Mn. Throughout his youth he worked at various jobs, delivering papers, shoveling snow, working at the family stockyards. After high school he drove truck for Silvernale Trucking until he entered the seminary. When he found out women were not a part of that life, he joined the United States Army as a medic! He married Lois on April 19, 1958, and they lived in San Francisco, California. In 1959, they moved back to Currie, Minnesota, and lived on the family farm. Babies and blizzards led to the family move to Nebraska. With changing jobs in sales, he then moved his family to Illinois, Kansas, Tennessee and back to Kansas where the family settled. Recently, Walt resided with his wife, Lois, at Schowalter Villa in Hesston, Kansas.
Throughout his life Walt loved the outdoors, fishing, daily trips to East Lake, and watching eagles in the winter months. He loved taking trips with Lois and his family, locally, in country and to Europe and Venezuela! It didn’t matter where he traveled, he always looked for the places with ‘character’ and felt like the journey was more important and interesting than the destination! Walt was an avid animal lover! Rocky was his favorite big collie dog! His Catholic faith was very important to Walt, and he was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He served on the Harvey County Parks Board, and was a member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Going out to eat and coffee with family and friends was a daily outing. It meant a lot visiting friends in the community. He helped many people in various ways and always felt it was most important to ‘take care and be there for the kids’!
I am so grateful for all that my dad taught me throughout the years. To be such an independent woman and to love the sport of fishing!!! Dad, I will miss you and catch the big one at Heaven’s Lake (don’t forget to throw him back) Love, K2 xoxo
All we have of our loved ones is the good memories of life with them ! Blessings to the familly for this great loss of life ! May peace shower all of you ! May you experience Gods love ❤️
Smokey was always full of fun and made the most of a situation. Never a dull moment when he was around. Such a special cousin, with a good heart. He always “got” my jokes too. My folks will be glad to see him and catch up with family news. God Blessed his family with lotsa love and fun times together. Love ya, Debbie
Kay and the Silvernale Family.
I remember Smokey from many years ago when we lived in Currie. Please know that I am thinking of all of you.
My sympathy, prayers and hugs to all.
Prayers from Hillside Christian Church in Amarillo TX. Praying for peace and comfort over your family and friends during this difficult time. May God’s rod and staff truly lead you to green pastures and quiet waters in the days ahead.
Hugs, love and prayers to all of you Silvernales💕
The memories we have of Walt are great. He always made us laugh and he raised a great family with his wife, Lois. He will be missed but memories will go on. May his family find peace and know he’ll be waiting for each of them with open arms.
Love,
Jack and JoAnne Thaw
Walter was a good man and raised such a good family. Him and Lois I have known for 6+ years as I went to St. Mary School with three of their grandchildren. Always such a kind and compassionate man. My thoughts & prayers are with Lois and the whole Silvernale family during this difficult time.
De Colores! This is the Lord has made for you. Rest in peace my fellow Cursillista!
Heartfelt condolences to the Silvernale family. Your parents made such a beautiful couple and we’re always so kind. I’m so sorry for your loss.