Walter moved gently from matter into spirit on Friday, October 26, 2018.
Born May 10, 1927, to Thomas J and Mary (Coffield) Trussell in Detroit, Michigan.
Walter attended Detroit public schools through high school. As a member of the school's ROTC unit, he attained the rank of cadet lieutenant colonel, the school's battalion commander. Of more importance, he met his future wife, Norma Ramboer, in May of their senior year. Although they shared only one class, it was meant to be.
He served in the Army as a military police staff sergeant stationed at the atomic bomb laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico, from 1945 to 1946. After discharge from the service, Walter attended Meinzinger Art School. For over 40 years he was an advertising commercial artist specializing in product illustration, mostly automotive in nature. He was the recipient of several awards, including three Golden Caddys.
After Norma's death, Walter moved from painting to poetry. He wrote over 560 poems, participated in poetry workshops, was published in the local newspaper, and shared his poems with family and friends.
Survived by his children Jeffrey (Peggy), Peter (Kathryn), Julie (Clarke) Oberheide, and Steven; grandchildren, Kevin (Melissa), Kristin, Jonathan (Ashley), and Kyle; step-grandchildren, Kayla and Courtnee; great-grandchildren Alexandria, Aiden, Abigail, and Parker; and Bill Rogers.
A memorial service will be held at Covell Funeral Home, Traverse City, on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. Service at 1:30 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or Silver Muzzle Cottage Rescue and Hospice of Rapid City. The family requests no flowers.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.
