Walter Edward (Jr.) Rumrill

Walter Edward “Wally” Rumrill Jr., age 81, of Hayward, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Marshfield Medical Center in Rice Lake, WI.  He was born on July 1, 1942 in Springfield, Vermont, the son of Walter and Ada (Horton) Rumrill.  Wally spent a good amount of time on his grandparents’ farm growing up, where he gained his appreciation for being outdoors and doing outside work.  He also loved to watch the trains roll past the farm and still loved trains in his older age.  He was united in marriage to Pamela Naylor in 1962 and they raised four daughters.  On February 6, 1987 he was united in marriage to Carol Ann Linden. 

Wally proudly served his country in the United States Navy for over two decades.  He had numerous duties on several different vessels, including submarines, amphibious assault ship destroyers, and aircraft carriers.  He was highly respected and recognized many times for his admirable leadership, superior performance, and instrumental impact.  Notably, Wally was described as an excellent example for others in the military and someone who always boosted the morale of his shipmates.  He retired after 22 years of dedicated military service.

After retirement, Wally drove truck all over the country and into Canada.  He drove his Ford F550 with a gooseneck trailer delivering bus engines.  He loved being out on the road and considered it more of a vacation than a job.  He also liked to travel in his RV with Carol always looking for their next adventure.  Among other places, their travels took them to Branson, Missouri where Wally worked for Boxcar Willie, a job that reflected his passion for both country music and trains.

Wally was an extremely handy man, tackling everything from general carpentry, plumbing, electrical and even welding.  He and Carol designed and built a stunning log home in Branson, Missouri that was even featured in a newspaper.  He enjoyed running tractors, bulldozers and other heavy equipment and often did his own excavating, landscaping and gardening projects.    

Eventually settling in Hayward, Wisconsin, he always felt fortunate to live in the Northwoods and loved being out in nature, which led him to become part of an ATV club.  Wally was also known to enjoy fishing and an occasional hunting trip.  Dearest to his heart, however, was his strong faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He was involved at church, even serving as a trustee. Yet, the greatest testament to his faith was his unconditional love to those around him.  Wally was smiley, warm, and jolly man that people loved to be around. 

He is survived by his children, Robin (Kenneth) Buffum of NH, Holley (Doug) Toschlog of TX, Dawn (Jim) Smith of NH, and Windy (Dan) McMillen of PA, his grandchildren, April, Justin, Christopher, Amanda, Steven, Patrick, Christopher, Jonathan, Amelia, Felicia, Kyle, and Emily; twenty-one great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Jeanette Linden, Trent (Laurie) Linden, Ty (Tami) Linden, and Mona (Dale) Moen; and his step grandchildren, Alicia, Brent, Ashley, and Emily; his brother, Paul (Judy) Rumrill; his sisters, Linda (George) Jeffrey, Diana (Howard) Jencks, and Patty Butterfield; and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Wally is preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol; and his sisters, Nancy and Norma; and his brother-in-law, George Bodette.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Hayward, where visitation will be held from 10:30 A.M. until the hour of the service.  Interment will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI.

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