Walter Paul Tabbert

Walter P. Tabbert, 88, former resident of Franksville, WI, died peacefully March 21, 2015 at his home in Springhill, FL with his family at his side. Walter was born May 26, 1926 in Norrie, WI to Madeline (Trumm) and Rudolph Tabbert. In his boyhood days he played baseball on the Franksville School Team. They won 23 straight games over 2 years ending in 1939 with a 12 – 6 victory over Rochester in a game played at the Racine County Fairgrounds in Union Grove, WI. To our knowledge that record still stands today. Walter could make anything he set his mind to. He enjoyed wood working, clock-making, and watching any kind of baseball or softball. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He was a season ticket holder during the Lombardi days and was present at the Ice Bowl. Walter served in the United States Army during World War II. He received many medals and commendations. At the age of 18 he was captured at the Battle of the Bulge and was encamped at Work Camp Wittlich M-Stammlager 12A in Limburg, Germany. In his early years he worked for Milwaukee Road Hiawatha Railroad, Wrapping Machinery, JI Case and later his career was spent with General Motors as a Millwright. He enjoyed his time working at GM and had mentored many apprentices. He was proud to have worked at GM building mock-ups for the engineers for the Apollo Missions. He also enjoyed taking his family on vacations across country and to many State and National Parks. At age 22, he married Joyce A. Ottmann and for 67 years they would celebrate on the 24th day of August the joy of another year together. Walter and Joyce have 5 children, James (Carol) Tabbert of Vero Beach, FL, Joan (Andrew) Perman of Union Grove, WI, Jerome (Penny) Tabbert of Stuart, FL, Jill (Kenneth) Reckers of Brown Deer, WI and Jayne (Peter) Walden of Tequesta, FL. He was also blessed with 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Brother of Arnold Tabbert of Menomonee Falls, WI, Raymond (Delores) Tabbert of Racine, WI, and Lucille Simanek of Arbor Vitae, WI. Brother in law of Lois Ottmann of Henderson, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to HPH Hospice, VFW 10209, DAV or Crescent Community Clinic of Springhill, FL.