Walter H. "Duke" Elsner

Walter H. “Duke” Elsner, 74, passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2023, in his home in Dublin, OH. Walter was born on November 30, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the young age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army and valiantly served his country for several years, including his tours in the Vietnam War. Walter was an avid photographer. His greatest love was to capture shots of nature and wildlife in their habitats. His beautiful photos became favorites of so many across the country. He was a beloved volunteer at Char Mar Preservation Parks where he served more than 5,000 hours over the past 8 years and from where most of his amazing pictures came.

Walter is preceded in death by his mother, Alice Elsner; brothers Eddie Elsner and Gerry Elsner; sister, Suzanne Elsner; and granddaughter, Avery Elsner. He is survived by his son, Edward Elsner (Detria) of Brandon, Florida; daughter, Megan Elsner, of Des Moines, Iowa; brothers, Ted Elsner (Linda) of Clarksville, TN, Rudy Elsner of Milwaukee, WI; sister, Kathie Worley (Mike) of Lawrence, KS; sister in law, Gloria Elsner of Milwaukee, WI; 4 grandchildren, Chandler, Carson, Ellie, and Emery Elsner, several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends, who all loved him dearly.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 19 from 4:00PM to 5:00PM, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors at Schoedinger Funeral Service, 6699 North High Street, Worthington, OH 43085. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Preservation Parks Foundation at https://preservationparks.com/foundation/ or a check may be mailed to 2656 Hogback Road, Sunbury, OH 43074, please write ‘In Honor of Walter’ in the memo.