Walter R. Burns, 74 of Valparaiso and formerly of Chesterton, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2024. He was born October 2, 1949 in LaPorte to the late Ralph A. and Franziska (Lehner) Burns, Jr. A 1967 graduate of Valparaiso High School, Walter was drafted into the U.S. Army and served with HHC 540th Engr Gp and HHC 7th Engr BDE on Ludendorff Kaserne, Kornwestheim, Germany. He worked for National Steel, NKK and US Steel at Midwest Steel Portage for 40 years. For ten years, Walter served on the Chesterton Board of Zoning Appeals and Plan Commission, and he coached in the Duneland Soccer Club. A member of the National Ski Patrol for 19 years he patrolled at the Pines Ski Area, where he was patrol director for many years. His love of skiing took him from the Pines Ski Area to ski resorts in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, as far west as Lake Tahoe, north as far as Sun Valley, and as far south as Taos. Walter’s skiing band of brothers were always ready to take a ski trip to bag new areas.
On September 24, 1971, Walter married Jill A. Sitar who survives along with their son, Patrick Burns; grandson, Lincoln; brothers, Eric (Mary) Burns and Chip (Teresa) Kuhrts; mother-in-law, Charlyce Sitar; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Jan (Don), Deb (Rick), Tim (Bob), Terry (Matt), and Cindy (Paul).
Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Funeral Service beginning at 4:00 PM. Cremation will follow at Angelcrest Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dunes Hospice, Valparaiso and the Valparaiso Kiwanis Club.
GUESTBOOK
We are heartbroken. Walter was always "THERE". For every occassion...giving his support. Our love and prayers for Jill, Patrick and Lincoln. -Debra Baron
Heartfelt sorrow and condolences for you Jill, and your families. May Walter finally be at peace. Love, -Lori and Jake
Dearest Jill, Patrick ,Lincoln and family, I am so very sad to hear of Walter's passing away. I know he loved his wife and family dearly. holding all of you up in thought and prayer during this very sad loss.
Sincerely, -Betsy and Clint Chinn and family
Jill, we are so very sorry for you and Patrick on your loss of Walter, he married the sweetest girl on earth! take comfort in knowing that he is soaring with the angels, and he touched the face of Jesus, forever free from pain! we send love and prayers to all of you....hugs, -Dave and Cheryl and Courteney Lobsiger and Whitney Crysler
Patrick - we r so sorry. I never met your folks nor Lincoln, but you were always in our family- I know you are sad now but he is soaring. I’m glad you got to go to Europe. Wish I could see you and hug you - I’d make you an Oreo cake. -Rosa and Carl Fleck
Dear Jill and family, sending you my love and deepest sympathies in the loss of Walter, my thoughts and prayers are with you. -Joanne VanCleef
My heart aches, losing a wonderful person like you. You were loved by your family and your extended family We will miss you so much. Thinking of you, Jill, Patrick, and Lincoln …all our love. Terry & Matt Sitar
