Walter Steve Misiolek

Walter Misiolek died at home on December 4, 2020, at age 74. His four daughters and step-son were able to be with him before he died, and he was surrounded by loving family when he passed. From the time of his definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, and long before that, he desired a death with dignity at home. With the help of a very clear Advanced Care Directive, Hospice, and a Primary Care Physician who respected his wishes, his family was able to allow him a natural death at home without unnecessary medical interventions.

Walt was born and raised in Warren Ohio, attended Miami University in Ohio where he earned his B.S. in Chemistry, and went on to get his master’s degree there as well. During the Vietnam War era he worked as a chemist at a steel-making facility in Warren, and always described his time there as “making steel for America.” Later, he earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Economics at Cornell University. His first and only post-Ph.D. job (33 years) was at the University of Alabama, where he was a Professor of Economics, and later, Senior Associate Dean of the Business School.

Walt was a quiet but gregarious man, and a compassionate arbitrator who could always see both sides. He always sought compromise and harmony. In his work life, he preferred going to his colleagues’ offices rather than phone or email. If someone came to him, he stepped from behind his desk and sat at his round table with his visitor. He had deep and lasting friendships from childhood to death. With his family, his motto was “happy and pleasant people are more fun to be around.” Survivors include Beverly Thorn (wife), Amy Mitchell (daughter), Victor Mitchell (son-in-law), Nikkie and Ashley Mitchell (granddaughters), Kim Reidenbach (daughter), John Reidenbach (son-in-law), Emily Reidenbach (granddaughter), Katie Grey (daughter), Matt Grey (son-in-law), Tyler Grey (grandson), Laura Horn (daughter), Jeremy Horn (son-in-law), JJ Horn (bonus grandson), Alex Shealy (bonus son), Mallory Keasler (bonus daughter-in-law), and Stella Shealy (bonus granddaughter). Walt was the oldest of a tribe of 19 cousins (Wally says “Hello Hello Hello Coozins”), where the Polish traditions of fun and family closeness remain ingrained. He was a lover of good food, wine, and all kinds of music. Walt was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Leah Misiolek, and his sister, Carol Plant. Carol’s devoted husband, Larry, remains close to us.

On Thanksgiving eve, as we watched the news and were reminded of the extent of hunger in our country now, Walt asked “Can’t we help these people?” We subsequently donated to Feeding America (https://www.feedingamerica.org), The Farmlink Project (donate), and Give Essential (giveessential.org), which gave him comfort as he neared his own death. If you would like to honor Walt’s memory, he would appreciate donations to these charities or the Alzheimer’s Association (Alzheimer's Association - Help Fight Alzheimer's)

There are truly thousands of seen and unseen angels on this earth, helping in small or large ways. Two of these angels who fed us with their medical expertise and compassion are Dr. Marissa Natelson (UAB Memory Disorders Clinic), and Dr. Regina Harrell (Tuscaloosa Geriatrics). Harriet Myers is a steadfast presence who over the years has repeatedly stepped in to save us. We are especially grateful for these three angels.

Walt will be cremated and per his wishes, his ashes will be spread in the Gulf of Mexico (near our home in Gulf Shores) and the Pacific (in the Big Sur area). As times become safer, a celebration of Walt’s life will be planned.

Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, A Dignity Memorial Provider handling arrangements.

Condolences may be offered at www.HeritageChapelTuscaloosa.com