Walter "Walt" E. Branstetter, age 89, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024, with family and friends at his side.
Walt was born July 10, 1935, in Buckland, Ohio, to the late Eugene and Edna Branstetter. After graduation from Spencerville High School, class of 1953, Walt served his country in the United States Army as a radio communication specialist. Upon returning to Ohio, he was employed by Honeywell Construction and Temperature Control Division until 1964. Walt then began a fourteen-year career with St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio, as Assistant Administrator specializing in maintenance and construction management. In 1987, he retired as a consulting engineer and moved to Bradenton, Florida, with the love of his life, Shirley. Together they enjoyed their favorite outdoor activities – golfing, running, biking, camping, swimming, and kayaking.
Walt was a man of deep faith and firmly believed retirement was a time to serve God by serving others and he absolutely accomplished that. The gifts God had given him in construction and engineering were used to help those in need of home repairs, building wheelchair ramps, and traveling near and far to assist families and churches impacted by natural disasters. But it was more than his hands at work, he would love and witness to those in need.
He used his beautiful bass voice to sing in the choir and served on the vestry at Christ Episcopal Church. He was licensed by the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida as a Eucharistic Minister and brought others to faith in Jesus through his service with Cursillo Ministry. He shared his faith and touched many lives through his work in prison ministry and service at the local food bank. Simply put Walt loved to share God's love with others.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 52 years, Shirley, and children, Lori (Mike) Maloney, Stella (Warren) Assink, Karen (Robert) Bauer, John (Patty) Madsen; 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, along with his brother, Gordon Branstetter, of Lima, Ohio.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10 AM at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church (https://cecb.church). Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
