Walter Christian Wengenmair

Walter became a policeman out of school and worked with the American military to secure military bases in what was then West Germany. It was doing this work that he met his wife, Norma, a career Army nurse. Walter and Norma came back to the United States on the last voyage of the ship USS United States. Walter had many fond memories of that voyage. He would often refer to himself as a “war groom.” Walter and Norma enjoyed traveling and fine dining. When Norma retired, she and Walter settled in San Antonio. Sadly, Norma would succumb to Alzheimer’s disease in 2009. They had no children, and he found himself alone for a time. He and Norma would often eat at Pompei Italian Grill several times a week, and he continued the tradition after her death. It was there he met Ramona Van Curen, who’s mother just happened to be German. She introduced the two, and viola, a late in life romance ensued with Irene Wallace. Walter and Irene lived together for several years until her death in 2018. Walter then moved in with Ramona and her husband Bob Beck. Bob and Walter would form a very close bond and they both enjoyed, tinkering in the garden, watching football and drinking good German beer! Walter liked using the German word Spitzbub – which means rascal or scallywag.

Walter was a generous soul who loved to give small gifts to people – especially candy. And he was always kind to strangers and especially sweet to women. He was a wonderful man quick with a joke and a belly laugh. He will be missed by anyone who knew him.

Walter will be survived by his favorite Sptizbub, Bob Beck, who was like a son to him. Walter is further survived by Ramona Van Curen (Beck), and her sister, Dorothea Wallace (and spouse Lee Hampton).