Fifth Generation

169. Walter E. "Wally" GNEWIKOW Sr. was born on 26 May 1950 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.²²⁷ He died on 14 January 2013 at the age of 62 in La Crosse, La Crosse County, WI.²²⁷

Obituary Notes: "Walter “Wally” Gnewikow Sr., 62, of Tomah passed away Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, at Mayo Franciscan Healthcare in La Crosse, He was born May 26, 1950, to Leonard and Arlene (Stoltz) Gnewikow in Tomah.

Wally was a 1968 graduate of Tomah High School. In 1970, he was united in marriage to Ruth Richmond. To this union they were blessed with three sons, Walter Jr., Michael, and Timothy. He worked with his father at Gnewikow’s Red Owl, which he eventually co-owned with his brother, Jim. After the store closed, he continued as a meat cutter for several stores before opening Wally’s Block, which he owned and operated until the present. Wally enjoyed providing services to local farmers with their beef and pork processing. He was well known for his quality steaks, sausage, venison processing, and YOHACTUS.

He was united in marriage to Catherine Botcher on June 8, 1985. Wally was one of the founders of Tomah Youth Wrestling. He enjoyed attending concerts, especially the Elvis Explosion, and traveling to Las Vegas with his sons and friends. He also enjoyed his daily trips to the Tee Pee. He loved hunting, gardening, socializing with friends at his shop, and spending time with his grandchildren. Wally was always recognized for his trademark hat. He will be missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy; his children, Wally (Rae Ellen) Gnewikow Jr. of La Crosse, Michael (Tonya) Gnewikow of Warrens, Timothy (Whitney) Gnewikow of Tomah, Todd Botcher of La Crosse, James Passineau of Nekoosa, Wis. and Hope (John) Zagorianakos; 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; siblings, Carol Jean (Ronald) Johnson of Adams, Wis., Jim Gnewikow of Wilton and Betty Jo (Dwight) Morehouse of West Bend, Wis.; aunts, Gloria (Robert) Kane of Tomah, Lavonne Graewin of Wilton, Mary Gnewikow of Oakdale, and Laura Gnewikow of Tomah; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Arlene.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Edwin Stigen will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Tomah."

Walter E. "Wally" GNEWIKOW Sr. and Ruth RICHMOND were married in 1970.²²⁷ Ruth RICHMOND, daughter of Russell L. RICHMOND and Rosella May SCHROEDER, was born (date unknown).

Walter E. "Wally" GNEWIKOW Sr. and Ruth RICHMOND had the following children:

Walter E. "Wally" GNEWIKOW Sr. and Catherine UNKNOWN (BOTCHER) were married on 8 June 1985.²²⁷ Catherine UNKNOWN (BOTCHER) was born (date unknown).