Walter F. Skerhut

Walter Friedrich Artur Skerhut (aka “OPA”) passed away peacefully at his eldest son’s home on Monday, September 2, 2013, surrounded by his family. Walter was born in Friedenshuette, Poland on April 18, 1923. Throughout his 90 years on earth, he was a loving husband, devoted father, and an inspiration to his grandchildren and anyone who met him. During WWII he served as a German Paratrooper. After the war, he was a teacher in Germany. In the 1950’s he and his family immigrated to San Antonio where he spent his remaining years working in the field of engineering. He retired as Vice President of Sales. During his retirement and after much prodding, he wrote a book about his life, which described his years in the war, his work, and his family. His advice, compassion, and strength will forever ring in our hearts. He never met anyone that he did not like or anyone that did not admire him. Many sat at his table to soak up the knowledge that he shared with them. We all loved him dearly and our lives are better and enriched because of him. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Maria Skerhut, his wife of 57 years, Christina Magdalena Skerhut, and his brother Klaus Skerhut.

He is survived by his children, Ulrich K. Skerhut and his wife Debra, Dr. Holger E.I. Skerhut and his wife Dulce, daughter Waltraud Crumlett and her husband Bill E. Crumlett. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jason Crumlett and his wife Sarah, Joseph Crumlett, Sebastian Skerhut and his wife Katarzyna, Christina Gomez and her husband J.P., Stefanie Shiels and her husband Michael, Veronica Wolfe and her husband Mark, Anthony Skerhut and Carlos Skerhut. Walter also had four great grandchildren, Megan and Hunter Crumlett and Devan and Declan Shiels.

The family thanks Belinda Durst and Deonka Staley for their ability to re-kindle passion and purpose in his final years. We also would like to thank Leola Thomas, who was not only an inspiration to Opa, but an inspiration to the entire family. Her tireless devotion gave him peace, comfort, and laughter during his final journey.

Visitation: 5:00-7:00pm, Friday, September 6, 2013 at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy. Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am Saturday, September 7, 2013 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3303 Urban Crest. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.