Walter Leo Dregney

Walter Leo Dregney, of Mondovi, who was also known as Sonny, Walt, Wally and Buffalo to many, passed away at the age 78, on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at Mayo Health System in Eau Claire. He was born on July 16, 1936 in Mondovi, a son of the late Oscar and Sena (Peterson) Dregney. On November 7, 1981, Walter was united in marriage to Sally Ann Gjerdahl at Central Lutheran Church in Mondovi. Sally preceded Walt in death on August 27, 2012. Walt was a longtime employee of the Buffalo County Highway Department, helping to build many of the roads and highways along with plowing many of the steep bluff roads in the winter. Walt started his career in his late teenage years and retired in 1993. Walt’s passion and love for horses was evident in so many way, including his lifetime membership to the midnight riders, the two ponies, Pat and Patches that helped him win many pony pulling contests and the other horses he owned over the years. He also enjoyed hunting, especially for goose and fishing. Walter and his wife Sally’s most memorable and rewarding contribution were the devotion they gave as foster parents; providing guidance and love to more than 138 children spanning over a 30 year period. Walt’s family left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Dawn Dregney of Eau Claire and Jane (Mark) Jenson of Mondovi; his granddaughter, Leonda (fiancé, Tim Wendt) Faanes of Eau Claire; grandson, Gabe Jenson of Mondovi; sister, Wilma (Ken) Borgwardt; also by step children; step grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, Walt was preceded in death by his wife, Sally; sister Lois Borgwardt; and three children, Wanda, Melinda and Wallace. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Central Lutheran Church in Mondovi with Pastor Rolf Morck officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Mondovi Chapel and again on Thursday at the church from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service. The family of Walter would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, especially the nurses at Mayo Health System, for the excellent and heartfelt care given to him during his stay Please share your memories or send your condolences to comfort Walt’s family to www.talbotfuneralhomes.com