Walter Howard Anderegg

Walter Anderegg passed away on April 18, 2026, after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. Walt was predeceased by his mother, Anna, and his father, Joe Anderegg, who also suffered from Parkinson’s. His cousin, Helen Bernaciak, survives Walt. They grew up as neighbors and remained close. She turns 90 in June.

Walt leaves behind his beloved wife, Kathy; his two sons, Greg (Katie) and Gary; and five grandchildren: Macie; twins Gregory (Tiana) and Katelyn (Kelly); Amber (Eric); and Michael (Jade). He also leaves seven great-grandchildren—Peyton, Kassie, Kerstyn, Lyla, Kinsley, Ella, and Wyatt. They all loved Papa Walt and miss him deeply, as do all his family. Ray’s daughter, Jennifer, and Ernie’s daughter, Lisa, also shared a close bond with him.

Walt had many friends in Ripon. When he was able, he enjoyed going down to the coffee shop to meet with them.

While on a long trip, he saw a sign announcing that Billy Graham would be speaking on a monitor in nearby small taverns. He decided to check it out, and it was there that he asked Jesus to come into his heart. From that day forward, he dedicated his life to the Lord. Walt loved telling others how much God loved them. He gave His Son, Jesus, so that all who call on Him may be with Him forever.

Walt and Kathy met at First Baptist Church in Modesto in 1985. After two years of friendship, they were married. They shared many happy years together, enjoying their faith, camping, boating, fishing, and gardening. He liked to leave a pile of firewood for the next camper to enjoy.

In 1976, Walt purchased a small almond orchard, where he and his brother Ray, a contractor, built his shop with small living quarters. He established his business, Anderegg Equipment Repair. Many almond growers and others relied on Walt to maintain and repair their equipment for the season ahead. They were sorry when he retired in his seventies.

In Walt’s later years, because of Parkinson’s, he suffered many falls, including one that caused a compression fracture. After two and a half years at home, he moved into care facilities where he could receive more assistance. In his final weeks, he was unable to walk, even with a walker. He declined rapidly, entered a deep sleep, and went into the arms of Jesus.

His life was a gift from God to all who knew him.