Walter L. Gergely Sr.

Walter L. “Wally” Gergely, 87, of Homosassa, FL, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021 at his home. A native of Joliet, Illinois, he was born March 13, 1934, one of eight children to immigrant parents from Hungary, the late Steven and Wilma (Gorgy) Gergely. Wally, as he was known to everyone, learned to speak Hungarian as a child, and graduated from Dyer High School, Dyer, Indiana, in 1952. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1954 and served his country honorably and proudly also in the United States Marine Corps as a Navy hospital corpsman; two years in the Navy and two years in the Marines. He then enjoyed a long 38 year career as the owner and operator of Wally’s Haircare in Highland, Indiana. One personal highlight of Wally’s life was the time he backpacked through Europe for two months at the age of 65. He visited relatives in Romania and cruised to Egypt and various islands throughout Europe. Wally was truly blessed during his life, loved dancing and rollercoasters, and upon his retirement to Homosassa, became a faithful and devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church in Lecanto, Florida. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his seven siblings; Steve, Andy, Don, Shon, Grace, Ann and Wilma, also known as “Mim”. Wally was blessed with five children: Wally Jr. (Anni), Ginger Murphy (Tim), Lisa Doughman (Brian), Kristin Halloran and Jill Kreis (John); 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 10AM - 12PM at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home - 8178 Cline Ave. Crown Point, IN 46307 with a celebration of his life beginning at 12PM with Rev. Eric Kleinschmidt officiating. A burial of his cremated remains will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please direct any memorial donation in Wally's name to Redeemer Lutheran Church - 9009 Kennedy Ave. Highland, IN 46322.

To leave kind words and memories for the family of Wally, please do so on his special page at www.chapellawnfunerals.com