Walter Martin Sebald entered his heavenly home on Monday, February 20, 2017 at the Onalaska Care Center Nursing Home in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

Walter was born April 19, 1930 in Bay City, Michigan, to Harold and Olga Sebald. He became a child of God through Holy Baptism at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church. After attending the primary grades at St. John’s, he went on to high school at Bay City Central, graduating in 1948. Walter attended Bay City Junior College before enlisting in the army in 1951. Walter served his country during the Korean War, stationed in Europe. He spent time in Trieste, Italy until he was honorably discharged in 1954. Walter continued his education at The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor where he received his Master’s degree in Conservation. Walter remained a life-long Wolverine fan.

On June 14, 1958, the Lord brought Walter together with his dear Schatzie, Elizabeth Marie (nee Koester) in holy matrimony. In 1959, Walter and Betty moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin after Walter accepted the call to teach sophomore Biology at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. The Lord blessed Walter and Elizabeth with 5 children. 

After completing coursework at Marquette University, Walter also began teaching Botany and Zoology at Milwaukee Lutheran Teachers College and Wisconsin Lutheran College until 1989. Walter retired in 1995 after 36 years in the teaching ministry—all of which were spent at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. He is dearly remembered by his students and colleagues. 

Walter loved woodworking and enjoyed his summer on the carpenter crew at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. After his retirement, you could often find Walter creating and building something new. He also enjoyed volunteering at Jesus Cares and later working at St. James doing custodial work.

Walter spent his last 4 years near La Crosse, Wisconsin at the Onalaska Care Center, where he continued to encourage others with the love of the gospel and with his special gift of warmth and charm.

Walter leaves behind his children, John (Kristi) Sebald, of Wauwatosa, WI, William (Holly) Sebald of West Lafayette, IN, Peter Sebald of Melrose, WI, Maria (Brian) Sweigard of Norfolk, NE, Miriam (Robert) Richmond of Melrose, WI, 19 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. 

Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Marie (Koester) Sebald and his parents, Harold Jacob Sebald & Olga Margaret (Schuster) Sebald.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: St. James Lutheran Church in Milwaukee; Wisconsin Lutheran High School tuition assistance; Coulee Region Jesus Cares (First Lutheran Church, La Crosse 400 West Ave S, 54601. Make checks out to Coulee Region Jesus Cares); or Onalaska Care Center, Onalaska, Wiscsonsin.

Visitation on Friday, February 24, 2017 at St. James Ev. Lutheran Church, 2028 N. 60th St. Milwaukee,  from 4 PM until time of Funeral Service at 7 PM. Private Entombment at Valhalla Memorial Park.