Walter Bittner Kaspareit

Walter was born to Walter and Auguste Kaspareit in Queens, New York. He quickly became the adored pet of his two older sisters, Velma and Phyllis. He recalled his childhood often, famously beginning with, “When I was a boy in New York City.…” What followed were memories of blaring WW2 air raid sirens, watching his mother perform at Radio City Music Hall with her choral group from work, and lively house parties with German aunts and uncles.

Walter attended Brooklyn Tech High School and still had the T-shirts to prove it.

Perhaps out of fascination with football great Doak Walker, Walter yanked up those Yankee roots and moved across the country to attend SMU in Dallas, TX. But Walter never did outgrow his childhood love of the Brooklyn Dodgers. He considered himself a lifelong New Yorker, despite spending the bulk of his days under the Texas sun.

He also remained a devoted Mustang for life. At SMU, he found a passion for swimming– one that he loved sharing with his kids and grandkids.

After SMU, Walter entered the Navy. While stationed at the Amphibious Naval Base in Coronado, California, he was introduced to Marsha Morgan, a petite, charming student at San Diego State University. They went on a blind date with friends to hear evangelist Leighton Ford – an unusual but providential first date choice… and the rest is history.

While they were dating, Walter served as the squadron navigator aboard the USS Paul Revere during the Vietnam War. He then enlisted in the Navy Reserves, retiring as Lieutenant Commander. A true patriot, he spent the rest of his life dutifully thanking anyone in fatigues… even if their apparel was a fashion choice.

After Walter and Marsha married January 29, 1966, they spent a newlywed year in Coronado, then moved to Dallas, Texas where Walter taught and coached swimming at Sunset and Hillcrest High Schools in Dallas ISD. He had a series of careers, retiring in 2007 as project manager of a software company.

As a result of this fateful move to Dallas, the Kaspareit children endured many character-building road trips to both East and West Coasts where they happily learned an appreciation for cultural extremes. But they will always say y’all.

Walter loved music, but only specific genres. No Beatles or Bob Dylan would grace his record player. Instead, Walter’s mixtapes included Julie Andrews, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Big Band Music, with a smattering of Peter, Paul and Mary. Walter may not have had an ounce of rhythm in that lanky body (ironic, because he would frequently belt out “I’ve Got Rhythm” in the car), but the man knew his music. He frustrated many a church friend by winning their musical evening contests, time and again.

Speaking of games, there was not a board game or card game “Wally” wouldn’t play. More than playing, he loved winning. He never did let his children win. Character building or traumatizing? Only our therapists know for sure.

The loving father to Erica, Jenny, Tori and David, he regularly told them they were “wonderful.” But then came the grandkids– Luke, Cade, Sam, Jack, Faith, Stephen, Lula, Moni and Benjamin– each of whom are even more wonderful than their parents, and Walter was so proud of all of them. His favorite children may be his dogs, Lucy and Oliver. Never a pet-lover in earlier years, he definitely took to dog-parenting during retirement. And friends, there have never lived more ill-behaved, spoiled, and doted-on creatures. No one is resentful of this.

Marsha was the love of his life. He adored her. He couldn’t stand to be apart, and he’d still pretend to bump into her in the kitchen just to make contact. At 82, he was just as captivated by her as the day they met 57 years ago in San Diego. His last words on this earth were, “I guess I’ll just have to hold on to you” – which was perfect. She was all he ever wanted.

Most of all, Walter loved Jesus. His faith journey began on his first date with Marsha. It was the night of their first date, after listening to an evangelist, that Walter trusted Jesus as his Savior. He loved to sing to Jesus, talk about Him, and study His Word. After coming to faith in Christ, Walter never again feared death.

Honey and Dad, we can’t believe you’re gone. We miss you terribly already – and your quirky humor, corny jokes, the way you would show up for us again and again. We weren’t ready for you to go. We wish that our kids had more time with their silly grandpa. But we take comfort imagining you in heaven, mowing lawns and printing articles. “See you here, there, or in the air,” as you’d say. Love you forever.

Walter is survived by his devoted wife, Marsha, his loving sister, Phyllis, daughter Erica and her sons Luke, Cade, Sam, and Jack; daughter Jenny, son-in-law John Duncan and their children Faith and Stephen; daughter Tori, son-in-law Mike Pelz, and their children, Lula and Moni; and David, daughter-in-law Gwendolyn Kaspareit and their son Benjamin– and a slew of much-loved nephews and nieces.

A service in celebration for Walter’s life will be held Thursday, April 14th at 11 a.m. at Stonebriar Community Church, 4801 Legendary Drive, Frisco TX 75034. A live stream of the service will be available here: Walter Kaspareit Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter’s memory to Insight for Living Ministries and Union Gospel Mission-Dallas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.RollinsFuneral.com for the Kaspareit family.