Walter J "Wally" Steies
Walter J. “Wally” Steies, age 70 of Menomonie, died Friday, March 18, 2011 at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, with his family by his side.
Wally was born May 4, 1940 in the Town of Sherman rural Dunn County. His birth parents were William and Jeannette Steies, he was raised by Kenneth and Ellda Valaske. Wally grew up in the Colfax area and graduated from Colfax High School. After school, Wally enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 14, 1960 and served in Vietnam as a corpsman attached to the Marines. He was honorably discharged with a disability on July 31, 1967. Wally married Donna Mae Wolf on June 13, 1970 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Eau Galle. Wally and Donna lived in Menomonie since 1971 where they raised their family. Wally owned and operated his own semi for 33 years, retiring in 2005.
Wally was a very involved member of the DAV and the VFW Post #1039 in Menomonie. He liked to hunt, fish and read. Most of all, Wally loved to spend time with his family and friends, especially his two granddaughters, Hailey and Cally.
Wally is survived by his wife of 40 years, Donna, two children, Jon D. Steies of Menomonie, Melissa ( Joseph) Burgraff of Hudson, two granddaughters, Hailey and Cally, his mother, Ellda Valaske of Colfax, five sisters, Wilma Paris of Three Lakes, Wanda (Chester) Wieczorek of West Allis, Wanita Cargol of Clear Lake, Diane (Fred) Goers of Colfax, Betty (Jerry) Arntson of East Troy, three brothers, Randy (Joan) Valaske of Colfax, Herman (Barbara) Johnson of Rohnert Park, CA and Jim Johnson of Oregon, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his birth parents, father Kenneth Valaske, one brother Roger Valaske.