Philip Quentin Walz
PORTAGE -- Philip Quentin Walz, age 89, of Portage, formerly of Naperville, Illinois and Norwalk, Wisconsin, died peacefully on Friday, August 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Phil was born on November 7, 1934, in Norwalk, Wisconsin, the son of Irl and Vera (Dunlevy) Walz. In 1950, he moved to Naperville, Illinois, with his mother and sister, Karen. Soon after graduating from Washington High School, in Naperville, he attended a diesel mechanic school. He worked as a Diesel Mechanic for a short time. Phil then worked as a laborer for Advanced Construction in Hinsdale, Illinois. There he worked as an apprentice plumber with his now father-in-law, Fred Peterson. Phil married Adele Louanne Peterson, on April 16, 1955. Phil would then go to work for Nick Lenert Plumbing, in Naperville, as an apprentice. He later became a plumber and in 1967, started his own plumbing contracting business, Phil Walz Plumbing, working with Adele out of their garage. In 1977, they purchased and operated Cascade Mountain Ski Area, in Portage, Wisconsin, until 2006. Phil has many accomplishments in his career including, building two successful businesses, employing many, along with all 6 of their children, at various times. But what he may be remembered for most, is his constantly keeping busy and never sitting down for a rest. He always had a project to do, or a place to be. Phil was extremely proud to build Cascade Mountain into a Winter Skiing Destination that Wisconsin and Portage could be proud of. Salmon fishing in Rivers Inlet, British Columbia, visiting his grand and great grandchildren, working on, or in, his sheds, and planning one of his next big projects, were among Phil’s most favorite pastimes. He and Adele loved participating in camping clubs, wintering in Florida, and dancing 6 days per week to Lawrence Welk (his favorite) and polka.
Phil is survived by his loving wife, of almost 70 years, Adele, Portage, WI; children: Debra (Scott) Hanes, Naperville, IL; Judy (Brian) Fedt, Mesa, AZ; Joyce (Mark) Remington, Lodi, WI; Steven Walz, Yorkville, IL; Robert (Vicki) Walz, Portage, WI; grandchildren: Nancy (Damon) Landry, Lynden, WA; Rick (Jordan) Walz, Yorkville IL; Jeffrey (Bethany) Hanes, Downers Grove, IL; Julie Hanes, Naperville, IL; Michelle (Joe Salsbury) Walz, Plano, IL; Helen (Shayn Luinstra) Remington, Lodi, WI; Nick Fedt, Bellingham, WA; Brennan (Casey) Walz, Rogers, MN; Melissa (Kevin) Knutson, San Tan Valley, AZ; Becca (Mike) Maly, Plano, IL; Adam Walz, Portage, WI; Alex Hanes, Chicago, IL; Evan (Aileen Weeks) Walz, Portage, WI; great grandchildren: Dorian, Aidan, Grayson, Mia, Stella, Brayden, Lyllian, Joey, Kenley, Greta, Emmy, Louella, Sawyer, Beckham, Harlow, Torin, and two more coming soon; one sister: Karen (Bill) Murphy, South Lyon, MI; and special friends: Rick and Helen Mueller.
Phil was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Walz; mother and father, Vera and Irl Walz; brothers: David, Stanley, George Alan, and Roger; and, grandchild, Brittany Lynn Walz.
A visitation will be held at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com) on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A small service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the little Salem United Methodist Church, 25438 Co Hwy T, Norwalk, WI 54648, with Pastor Francis Hewuse officiating. Inurnment will follow at Wanderers Rest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salem United Methodist Church c/o Building Fund or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful care team at Aspirus Divine Savior, who served us this week including, Kaylie, Karin, Todd, Jane, Dr. Nicolai Gerhartz, Dr. lan Coker, Dr. Susan Kreckman, and the rest of the wonderful care team on the 2nd floor that made the family's grief manageable and bearable. Your compassion and professionalism are greatly appreciated. Thank you to UW Oncology doctors and nurses. And a big thank you to Phil’s special friends, John Konapecki and Lance Larson.
