Walter Henry Gottschalk

Surrounded by his family, Walter Henry Gottschalk returned peacefully to his heavenly home September 23, 2023.

Walter was born April 13, 1936 to Walter Oscar Gottschalk and Ida Gertrud Tuchel Gottschalk.
He grew up in Salt Lake City where he developed a strong work ethic on the 6-acre family farm, milking cows, raising chickens and starting his first side hustle with the farm tractor.

A love and passion for music and dancing filled his life with joy and great times at Saltair.  In 1956, a handsome young Walt asked his high school sweetheart JoAnn for her hand in marriage. However, the newly engaged couple put wedding plans on hold while Walt served a 2 ½ year mission in Germany for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There he dedicated himself to serving the Lord and developed the true heart of a missionary.

Just twenty days after his return, Walt and JoAnn were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.  

They settled in Sunset, Utah where they raised five cherished children in a wonderful home life filled with gardening, canning, family home evening, home-cooked meals, and the never-ending honey-do list.

Walt was devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ serving in many callings and was a faithful home teacher and ministering brother.

Walt loved camping, cameras, computers, and cars, dedicating much of his career to rebuilding car transmissions at Lelis, AAmco, Certified and then building Walt’s Company. He served six years in The Air National Guard.

For the second time around, JoAnn has been waiting 2 ½ years for her beloved Walt to fulfill his mission, his life’s mission, this time reunited forever and always. We love you, Mom and Dad! God be with you till we meet again.

All our love,
JillAnn (Joseph A.) Garcia, Sandee Gottschalk (Brett Morse), Heidi (Bruce K.) Thurgood, Eric (Julie) Gottschalk, and Aimee (David) Baugh, sixteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren

The family would like to thank Suncrest Hospice team for their care and friendship.

Friends and family may call at the Syracuse Russon Mortuary, 1585 West 300 South,
Wednesday, September 27, Viewing 10:00 am – 11:30 am, with a memorial service to follow at noon.  Interment-Syracuse Cemetery-1250 South 100 West following the services

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.