Walter Foth

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, this world lost one of the good ones when Walter Foth passed away peacefully at the age of 76 years, surrounded by the family he led and held so dear. We celebrate Walter’s joy as he now worships God in His magnificent presence.

Walter was born January 16, 1948 at a Mennonite refugee camp in Gronau, Germany. When he was 4 years old, Walter came to America with his parents after being sponsored by a family, settling in Goshen, Indiana. Walter and his family moved to Milwaukee in the 1950’s, and eventually to Cedarburg in the 1960’s.

Walter graduated from Cedarburg High School in 1966. After graduation, he volunteered for the United States Army, for which he proudly served until his honorable discharge.

After his Army commitment was complete, Walter returned to Cedarburg where he married the love of his life, JoAnn Last, in 1971. He enrolled at MSOE and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering. Walter joined the United States Postal Service, rising through the ranks to become Postmaster. Throughout his career, Walter worked at post offices in Cedarburg, Port Washington, Cascade, Oostburg, Okauchee and Adell. Walter especially loved his time in Oostburg, as he often said the people there were some of the nicest he ever met.

Together, Walter and JoAnn raised their four children in the Town of Cedarburg. Walter was the most kind-hearted, genuine, humble, slow-to-anger dad his kids could have ever hoped for. Walter always put his children first, finding ways to support them in every aspect of their lives. He loved attending their sporting events, taking them fishing and camping, and driving them all over the country for vacations. Along with JoAnn, Walter taught their four children to be hard-working servants to others, which resulted in them raising a doctor, a nurse and two police officers.

As he neared the end of his life, Walter often spoke of how proud he was to have gone from a child born in a refugee camp in Germany to having the great life he did. He felt complete by having a loving wife, four children and their spouses, and ten grandchildren who were the pinnacle of his happiness. Walter’s devotion to his family left a legacy which will carry on - - he found comfort in that.

Walter is survived by his wife of 53 years, JoAnn, their children, Kristine (Josh) Hoiland, Heidi (Sean) Fuerstenberg, Mark (Aimee) Foth and Brian (Julie) Foth. He leaves behind ten grandchildren whom he loved beyond words; Kristin, Ryan, Caitlynn, Miakoda, Jacquelynn, Madelynn, Emma, Caleb, Elise and Amelie. Walter also leaves behind his sister (Helen Nitschke) and brother (Willi Foth). He was preceded in death by his father (Heinrich), mother (Alma), and brother (Norbert).

A private memorial service will be held to honor Walter’s life, followed by burial at Zur Ruhe Cemetery in Cedarburg.

“I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown.”