Laura Reetz Walter

Laura Reetz Walter of West Branch passed away Thursday October 15, 2009 at Harlin Assisted Living in West Branch. Laura was born on Easter Sunday, April 8, 1917 in Klacking Creek, Michigan to Edward Reetz and Josephine (Wangler) Reetz. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in West Branch, Michigan with honors and attended business school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Laura was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. She married Donald Walter on June 17, 1937. They were married for forty-three years. She worked with her husband in his business and they lived in Harper Woods, Michigan for sixty-three years. Laura moved to West Branch in 2004. She had been a resident of the Brook Retirement home for 5 years, then moved to Harlin Assisted Living. Laura was a very active volunteer. She volunteered for the Girl Scouts of America for fifty years. She was a leader, camp counselor and committee member. She trained leaders to help girls with the religious awards. She volunteered with the American Red Cross for twenty years working in the blood bank and was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace parish for sixty-three years. She became a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church after moving back to West Branch. Laura was on the National Council of Catholic Women for her parish and secretary on the Archdiocese of Detroit level. Laura enjoyed writing and telling stories. She loved to hear and tell a good joke. She was interested in her family, friends and the world around her. Laura will be remembered for her wit and sense of humor. She enjoyed ceramics, knitting, crocheting, crafts, sewing, golf, gardening and water aerobics. She was a collector of dolls and music boxes. Laura and Donald were the owners of the Edward Reetz Centennial farm. The farm was deeded to her brother Warren and his family. Laura was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Josephine Reetz, her husband Donald and nine brothers and sisters, Margaret Zettel, Christopher Reetz, Edwina McDowell, Thelma Brick, Dennis Reetz, Walter Reetz, Georgina Winter, Warren Reetz and Calvin Reetz. She is survived by sisters-in-law Joan Reetz, Marion Reetz, many nieces, nephews and fifteen godchildren. Laura left many good friends in Harper Woods and made many good friends in West Branch. The staffs of the Brook, Harlin, and Hospice of Helping Hands were very good to Laura. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the charity of your choice. She will be missed by all. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will be held on Friday, October 16, 2009 from 2-9 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Laura will lie in state at Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday, October 17, 2009 beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 10:00 a.m. Fr. Patrick Maher will officiate with burial following at Holy Family Cemetery.