Lawrence E. “Larry” Walter, age 87, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on February 25, 2026, at MercyOne while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Larry’s life, a memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road in Dubuque, with Rev. Phil Gibbs officiating.  Family and friends are invited to join in fellowship from 9:00-10:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Larry’s family.

Larry was born on November 2, 1938, in Dubuque, IA, a son to George and Ellen (Rettenmeier) Walter.  Larry was a proud graduate of East Dubuque High School and eventually met the love of his life, Donna Putchio. The two were united in marriage on June 13, 1959, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, IL.  They were blessed with 66 wonderful years together and five children of their own to love and nurture along the way.  Larry was honored to provide for his family and spent over 43 years of his working career with the Dubuque Packing Company until its closure in 2001.  He took great pride in his work and made countless friends over his years there, especially his best friend, Charlie Reisen. Their families shared many cherished vacations together.   In his later years, Larry generously gave his time as a patient aide with Medical Associates and Dubuque Internal Medicine, always giving back more than he took and using his time to help others when and where he could.

In his free-time, Larry was an avid sports fan.  He enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play from their early years in Little League through high school.  He was their biggest fan, and it would be difficult to find a close second.  He also enjoyed watching professional sports, and as most fans in the area are aware, the best teams are clearly the Bears, Cubs, and Iowa Hawkeyes, and Larry was no exception to the rule.  When his teams were taking the field, Larry was always right there to cheer them on.  When a little extra family time found its way into Larry’s day, there was no greater thrill than to sit down at the euchre table and remind them who the true euchre champion was just in case they had a momentary lapse which required adjustment.  Larry was gifted with a kind heart and gentle soul which he carried and displayed continuously throughout his 87 years among us.  Thank you, Larry, for being the best husband, dad, grandpa, and GGPA we could ever ask for. May the Lord keep you safe and secure in His loving arms until we see your loving smile once again.

Larry’s memory will live on in the hearts of,

his beautiful bride,
Donna Walter, Dubuque, IA;

his four children,
Doreen (Ron) Kane, Dubuque, IA,
Cheryl (Darrell) Weiland, Asbury, IA,
Gayle (Carl Spoerl) Walter, Cascade, IA,
and John (Kris) Walter, Dubuque, IA;

his adored grandchildren,
Joseph Kane, Amanda (Mark) Stecker, Jamie (Matt) Roloff, Kelli (Alex) Grochala, Nathan Casel, Max James, Jackson Walter, Jared Walter, Kaylee Walter, Michael Walter, Mark Walter, and Danielle (Dillon) Hoffman;

his great-grandchildren, who affectionately called him “GGPA”,
Addaylee, Landyn, Mia, Lila, Madison, Gianna, Lucy, Emmitt, Brody, Oakley, Logan, Carly, Maci, Cole, Brooklyn, and Adeline;

his sister,
Ruth (Bob) Harle, Dubuque, IA;

his brothers-in-law,
Tyrone Putchio, Dubuque, IA,
Charlie (Mary Lou) Putchio, Dubuque, IA,
and Larry (Patty) Putchio, Randolph, MS

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his oldest son, Daniel L. Walter; his great-grandson, Isaac F. Stecker; his brothers, Michael Walter and John Walter;  his sister, Mary Ellen Clark; his mother and father-in-law, Gus (Doris) Puccio; his sister-in-law, Eileen Putchio; and sadly many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a Lawrence E. Walter memorial fund has been established.

Larry’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Medical Associates, MercyOne, and Tri-State Home Dialysis, especially Dr. Ringold, for their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Larry’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com