Walter “Wally” L. Gahnz, age 84 of Cochrane, WI passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2014 at Sauer Health Care in Winona, MN.
He was born on June 9, 1929 on the family homestead in the Town of Waumandee, WI to Werner and Alma (Schaffner) Gahnz.
On May 6, 1961 Wally was united in marriage to Barbara Phyllis Kline at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Winona. This union blessed them with one daughter. Barbara preceded Wally in death on May 10, 1985.
Wally was a dairy farmer for many years, right on the very farm he was born. Following the sale of his dairy herd, Wally started part time employment at La Crosse Milling and later worked at Rohrer’s Garage in Cochrane and finally at Fountain City Ford.
Wally was a long time, faithful and active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Cochrane.
Wally’s passions in life were gardening, cutting wood and just enjoying the farm life and being outdoors.
He will long be remembered as a loving and gracious man who loved to help others in need.
Wally will be sadly missed by his only daughter Karla (Paul) Krueger of Buffalo City; two granddaughters, Katie and Kenzie Krueger of Buffalo City; one sister, Florence Staak of Cochrane; also by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Besides his parents and wife Barbara, Wally was preceded in death by his sister, Alverna and brother, Willard. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 4 at 11:00 AM at Christ Ev. Lutheran Church in Cochrane with Pastor Mark Wilde officiating. Burial will follow at Buffalo City Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday June 3 at 5:00 PM until a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the church. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com. Talbot Family Funeral Homes of Cochrane were honored to assist the family.