Walter E. Ignaszewski

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” I John 5:11-13

Walter E. Ignaszewski went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 19, 2025 at the age of 97.

Walter was born on September 26, 1927 in Buffalo, NY, to the late Ignatius and Jane Ignaszewski, the eldest of twins. The family moved to Bradford, NY when he was around the age of five. Growing up on the family farm he learned a strong work ethic. Post military he worked for Ingersoll Rand in Painted Post, NY for 37 years, retiring as control panel assembly specialist.

Proudly serving his country, Walt first served in the United States Army Air Forces (Sep 1945 - Jan 1947) and later the United States Air Force (July 1948 - July 1952). He served a combined five and a half years spanning the end of World War II and the Korean War, spending time in Japan, the Philippines and South Korea working as an airplane mechanic for front line support. Walter worked on the B-26 Marauder bomber and the P-51 Mustang aircraft. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant, having been awarded the Good Conduct medal, Army Occupation of Japan medal, World War II victory medal and the Korean War service medal. He also received letters of appreciation from US President Harry Truman and Commanding General of the Army Air Forces “Hap” Arnold.

Walt had a great sense of humor even when his health was declining. He always had a joke, or a prank in the works. He loved to engage people with his stories and he had many to tell! Walter loved anything that flies: birds and aircraft of any kind. He was a born-mechanic and could fix just about anything. He combined that skill with his love for aircraft and built a power-sleigh. He also owned an ultralight airplane! Other hobbies included fishing and music. He learned the basics of the guitar while in the military, and through the years enjoyed playing the guitar and singing duets with his wife.

Walter had an unmistakable walk with God, trusting Christ as His Savior while in the military. He loved the Lord more than anything. He wouldn’t think of making a plan or decision without praying and asking the Lord to direct his steps. He wouldn’t touch a morsel of food without thanking the Lord for it. And his walk with the Lord showed through in his compassion and care for those around him. He loved to worship his Savior and even in his failing health, attending church was important to him. During his life, he served the Lord wherever needed; cleaning the building, teaching Sunday school and high school classes, serving as a deacon or trustee, helping with maintenance and remodeling. Second only to his love for the Lord was his love for his wife and family. Whether it was an extended family reunion, reunions with his siblings, visits with his adult children or time with his only grandchild, Walt loved family.

Walter leaves behind his beloved wife of 68 years, Bernita Newkirk Ignaszewski; children, Jo Ann (Brian) Wheeler and Jon (Heather) Ignaszewski; granddaughter, Victoria Wheeler (Drew) Cottrell; siblings, Conrad Ignaszewski, Robert (Valerie) Ignaszewski, Raymond Ignaszewski, and Eleanora (John) Mott; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his twin sister, Valerie.

Please join us in celebrating his life on Saturday, March 1st at Grace Bible Church, 3904 Woodview Drive, Winston-Salem, NC. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm with his memorial service following at 2:00 pm. There will be a light reception at Grace Bible Church following the interment at Forsyth Memorial Park for all who can attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Grace Bible Church Building Fund.