Hazel Gertrude Walter

Hazel Gertrude (Wilkins) Walter, 98, of Battle Creek, died Friday, November 13, 2020 at Boschway Adult Foster Home on Meachem Road.

Hazel was born August 23, 1922 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Vern and Anna Wilkins. She grew up in Urbandale and was a 1940 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Before she married, Hazel was employed at the Kellogg Company where she worked at the soda bar and met the love of her life, Dick Walter.

Hazel was united in marriage to Richard (Dick) F. Walter on June 28, 1942 at the Urbandale Methodist Church. They were lifelong residents of the Battle Creek area, eventually moving to a cherished little neighborhood on Lee Lake, south of town.

Hazel was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years on October 18, 2002. Surviving are sons, Richard F. (Beth) Walter of Kalamazoo, Mark A. (Nancy) Walter of Ceresco, Jon Douglas (Marion) Walter of Galesburg-Augusta, and daughter, Laurie J. (Dan) Walter-Hadley of Fletcher, North Carolina; 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.
In addition to her husband, Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, 5 siblings; sons, Danny Lane Walter in 1946 and Timothy Wayne Walter in 1997.

Probably the single most defining characteristic of Hazel was her devote Christian faith and love for her Lord and Savior. Her commitment to practice what she believed was exemplified by how good she was at loving people. A wonderful wife, mother, and friend and stellar in her grandparenting skills. Hazel was an active and hard-working member of the Battle Creek Friends Church for nearly all of her adult years.

Hazel loved to bake and was famous among friends and family for her pies especially. She was an avid reader and self-educator, always open to learn more. She also enjoyed writing, theatre, bird watching, and photography. But time spent with her family was her prized favorite activity. She will be sorely missed.

The family will receive visitors at an open visitation on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the Friends Church from 1-3 pm. Please be mindful that health protocols for safety and social distancing will be required, masks included. Following the visitation, there will be a private memorial service at 3 pm to celebrate Hazel's life, officiated by Pastor John Grafton. Note that the service will be Live Streamed and the family welcomes your attendance in this way also. It may be viewed by visiting https://vimeo.com/479999275/2efac161b9.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Friends Church. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.