Obituary for Walter George Stetler
Walter “Wally” George Stetler, 67, of Allentown, FL, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2023 at home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Wally was born in Winter Haven, FL on June 21, 1955. His childhood was spent hunting, fishing, playing in the citrus groves, building mini-bikes, and excelling in the Boy Scouts…ultimately attaining the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. At a time in our history when young men were being drafted to serve in the military, he voluntarily enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. He was primarily stationed at Fort Bragg. NC and was sent to Vietnam multiple times with his Special Forces team-mates. Wally was honorably discharged after more than five years of service to his Nation. Upon returning to Winter Haven, Wally began working in construction with childhood friends, later specialized in building and installing cabinetry, and would eventually earn the title of Master Woodworker. Though he was unable to continue woodworking as a profession, Wally never lost his passion for building things with his own two hands. In fact, he was known to see a product advertised on TV and say, “I can make that for way less money”. Not only would he prove himself right, but he would frequently improve on the original design.
Wally wore many titles: husband, dad, son, brother, friend, mentor, and sportsman. He was never far from the outdoors and could be found on his property in a year-round endeavor to keep the local deer herds fed and happy until opening day. Wally was an avid fisherman and camper. He was the mastermind behind dozens of camping trips across the southeast, but the family favorite was always camping at Fort Pickens National Seashore on Pensacola Beach. Throughout many years of camping trips, he always instilled a love of the outdoors, wilderness safety, and responsible stewardship of wildlife and nature. He worked hard to support his family and made sure they felt loved every day.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Stetler.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sue Stetler; children, Ray Stetler, Lori Jones, Kara Saye (John), and Cody Stetler (Erin); his father, George Stetler; sister, Susan Williams (Scott); 6 grandchildren and two nephews; as well as other lifelong friends.
There will be a visitation held on Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 4-6 PM at Trahan Family Funeral Home, 6539 Trammel Drive, Milton, FL. The family would like to request that the attire be casual. Wally will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks to Dr. Janelle Bennett, Oncologist, Emerald Coast Palliative Care, Covenant Care, and Emerald Coast Hospice for their compassionate care.
Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to your favorite charity in memory of Wally.
Wally was born in Winter Haven, FL on June 21, 1955. His childhood was spent hunting, fishing, playing in the citrus groves, building mini-bikes, and excelling in the Boy Scouts…ultimately attaining the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. At a time in our history when young men were being drafted to serve in the military, he voluntarily enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. He was primarily stationed at Fort Bragg. NC and was sent to Vietnam multiple times with his Special Forces team-mates. Wally was honorably discharged after more than five years of service to his Nation. Upon returning to Winter Haven, Wally began working in construction with childhood friends, later specialized in building and installing cabinetry, and would eventually earn the title of Master Woodworker. Though he was unable to continue woodworking as a profession, Wally never lost his passion for building things with his own two hands. In fact, he was known to see a product advertised on TV and say, “I can make that for way less money”. Not only would he prove himself right, but he would frequently improve on the original design.
Wally wore many titles: husband, dad, son, brother, friend, mentor, and sportsman. He was never far from the outdoors and could be found on his property in a year-round endeavor to keep the local deer herds fed and happy until opening day. Wally was an avid fisherman and camper. He was the mastermind behind dozens of camping trips across the southeast, but the family favorite was always camping at Fort Pickens National Seashore on Pensacola Beach. Throughout many years of camping trips, he always instilled a love of the outdoors, wilderness safety, and responsible stewardship of wildlife and nature. He worked hard to support his family and made sure they felt loved every day.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Stetler.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sue Stetler; children, Ray Stetler, Lori Jones, Kara Saye (John), and Cody Stetler (Erin); his father, George Stetler; sister, Susan Williams (Scott); 6 grandchildren and two nephews; as well as other lifelong friends.
There will be a visitation held on Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 4-6 PM at Trahan Family Funeral Home, 6539 Trammel Drive, Milton, FL. The family would like to request that the attire be casual. Wally will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks to Dr. Janelle Bennett, Oncologist, Emerald Coast Palliative Care, Covenant Care, and Emerald Coast Hospice for their compassionate care.
Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to your favorite charity in memory of Wally.