Walter Owens Obituary

Most of my memories of spending time with my Grandpa Wally are from when I was a young kid going with my parents to have dinner at his home. I honestly can't remember what we ate because I was always too busy scanning his apartment and looking at all the cool toys, ships, and swords he had on display. One of the last times I was at his apartment in my teens he gave me one of his giant lego pirate ships. To this day, it's still one of the coolest gifts anyone ever gave me. Not because it was a toy. But because it was his Toy that he was passing along to me. I'll always remember how those little moments like that shaped how I viewed the man. He was an awesome grandfather, and I will really miss him.

Grampa's cooking was legendary, and shaped my tastes forever. I'm sure I'll never cook bacon without thinking fondly of him.
Grampa took me along on a trip to the Bahamas. It was my first trip to the Carribean and I was blown away by the the sparkling aqua ocean. Grampa and Nancy were so glamorous to me. Sun kissed, relaxed and content. Thank You for the memories Grampa!

I miss my Grampa Wally but I'm so grateful that I was able to give back to him even a fraction of the love he showed me over my thirty eight years. Grampa was pleased by small things. A cold can of beer. The sun on his skin. Oreos and milk. One fried egg over easy with bacon, hash browns and coffee. The Sun Times and Tribune. A new toy. Travel. Watching the neighborhood traffic out the window of his basement apartment. Tending a rose garden. The company of family enjoying one of his home cooked meals. Spoiling his grandchildren. He shed a light on the important things in life and I'll never forget him.

He was an "I did it MY way" kind of guy. He was a father figure to my children who loved him dearly. He made friends anywhere we travelled,and remembered their names for years. They welcomed him back every year,hoping he would be making that famous spaghetti sauce.They even bought a huge sauce pot so he could make enough for all.The staff would then take some home. His other love was building model ships. Watching this strong construction man using the delicate implements used to place the tiny pieces in place was something to see. He gave them to many friends and family members. All in all he was a man who gave us all many wonderful memories. He worked hard,played hard and loved us all equally. All of our lives have been enriched by knowing and loving him. He will be sorely missed.

I've spent the past few days trying to think of what I could add to the beautiful thoughts expressed ny his daughter Joanne in her thoughtfully written obituary. I knew and loved the man for forty years.

Our condolences go out to our friends in the Kersick family for their loss I know he will be missed.

He was a good man. As Craig put it, he lived life on his terms. He loved who he loved and what he loved, and God forbid you tried to tell him otherwise. I have 40 yrs of memories. God Bless Hon, and take care of my Grandma. XOXO Candace

To Steven and of course to the rest of the Owens Family our deepest condolences to you all. SINCERELY YOURS THE Leimuller FAMILY RAYMOND JENNIFER JORDAN CHAZ MONGO THEA we love you guys.

The stories I like to remember most about Grandpa Wally are about the Family Man.

Home cooking treasures; the guy with the car on call for his brothers, sisters and parents; toys to delight the grand-kids; getting lost one night after having driven his sick friend to the hospital; the union man extending a helping hand to the next man. Walter took care of his family and friends.

Wally lived his life on his own terms and his adventures in this world could be the envy of many. I'll never forget his speaking Japanese in my car one drive home. His Windjammer cruises and Caribbean travels were the stuff of dreams.

It was an honor to be able, for a while, to help take care of the man who took care of so many and bring the orange slices and chocolate that always brought a smile.

I will miss hearing about his next adventure.

Steve, Pam, Joanne & Pat
Our heartfelt condoleneces for your loss.

Carl & Norie

I'm so sad about your dad's death. I remember him as a very kind and generous person as we enjoyed so much the times we spent with him.
I know my words can't do much to calm such sorrow but I should like you to know that we too will be grieving for him.
In deepest sympathy,

Joanne, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your Dad lived a full life blessed with the love of many. Keep him close to your heart and he will forever stay with you.

my condolences he will be miss we will allways rember him never for get love oneill family and basham love pamela pat oneill

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I felt like I knew him after reading the obituary. What a joyful account of his life journey! I wish I had known him! May you and yours find loving comfort in his memories/legacy. Thoughts and prayers to you.

If I could hand pick any father-in-law it would still be Walter. I will miss his hello and good- bye hugs and his laughs during our conversations.
When we would visit Walter with our three little sons, he would thrill them with unusual toys. It is possible he had more fun than the kids.
As a young mother of three little boys, I welcomed the phone calls when Wally called and said that he made a big pot of this or that and we were invited to share in some of the best home cooked meals that I have ever had!
I have seen pictures of Walter at different ages and I see how handsome he was, but in the same glance, I see my husband, so I will always be reminded of Walter.

Joanne and family -

Our fathers shared a lot in common, including that they both went to Crane HS. Maybe they are now comparing notes on the similarities of their wonderful lives... Please accept my deepest sympathy and remember the words of Dr. Seuss - "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”

Joanne, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man and while I'm sure you'll miss him terribly, he obviously left you with many great memories. May you take comfort in them.

What a beautiful obit. Wally (Yoddy) sounds like he was a wonderful person. Joanne and family, my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. With love & hugs from one of your friends from Alvernia, the Class of '71.