Loeffler, Walter Barnes, 92, retired engineer, or Blanco, formerly of Naples, Fla., died June 11. Survived by wife Margaret. Services 4 p.m. Wednesday, Summit at Westlake Hills. Burial All Souls Episcopal Church, Oklahoma City. Arrangements by All Faiths, south location.
The Austin American Statesman
Sunday, June 27, 2010
***
With a smile that lit up the room when he spotted family or friends, Walter brought joy into the world for 92 years. Born April 24, 1918, in Chicago, IL, to Anna Catherine Spohr and Louis Loeffler, he slipped peacefully away in his own bed in Blanco, TX, on June 11, 2010, surrounded by loving family and caregivers.
Walter was the grandchild of Franz Loeffler and his young wife, Clara Wittmann, who immigrated to the Chicago area in the 1880's from Bavaria, seeking a freedom of expression not allowed in the "Old World." Although raised in Oklahoma City, the 4th of 6 children and two generations removed from his German ancestors, Walter inherited a strong sense of fairness -- along with a streak of stubbornness --from his parents and grandparents. As a child, he grew up exploring the world around him, developing his inquisitive mind and his social skills. He was always willing to strike up a conversation with anyone, no matter what race, religion or background, and he saw the "good" in everyone. He graduated from Classen High School, where he played oboe in the band. Whether from that experience or his German roots, he loved classical music, attending the symphony regularly and listening to opera at home.
Walter had "engineering in his blood:" his father, Louis Loeffler, Sr., and his uncle, Frank X. Loeffler, Sr., founded the engineering supply company that has become Federal Corporation (still located in what is now "Bricktown") the day before Walter was born. After leaving Classen High, Walter was accepted into the College of Engineering at Purdue University, where he met the love of his life and wife of 69 years, Margaret "Peggy" Howard.
He graduated just as the U.S. was being drawn into WWII and entered the Army, first as a member of the Ordinance Division at The Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. He later transferred to the Army Air Corps, serving as a pilot and aircraft engineer at Wright-Patterson Field in Dayton, Ohio, and rising to the rank of Major. He remained always a keen enthusiast of airplanes and flying, though his devotion to family and work never afforded him time to pursue flying in civilian life, except as co-pilot with his college roommate, a test pilot for Cessna, on trips with their wives to Purdue football games.
Walter and Peggy lived and worked in Oklahoma City for 50 years, raising three children and leaving their mark on the city. Upon returning after the war, Walter chose to strike out on his own in the construction industry, rather than joining the family firm. He went to work as project manager for a commercial contractor, and then as a mechanical engineer for W.A. Landers Company, a commercial heating, plumbing and air conditioning firm which he managed for many years and later owned. During his years in construction, Walter worked on many interesting projects, including Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Wright's Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park, Pa.; Penn Square Mall; air-conditioned hangars for Boeing Jumbo airplanes at American Airlines' maintenance headquarters in Tulsa; huge computer "clean rooms" for Hertz Reservation Center, and a multitude of projects for Baptist Medical Center during its decades of expansion. He was so much a part of the growth of Baptist Medical Center that its mechanical equipment building was named in his honor.Along the way, Walter held positions of leadership in engineering and contracting associations, was a highly-regarded mediator in union-management conflicts, served as President of the Purdue University Alumni Club, and was an active member of All Souls' Episcopal Church.
He always supported Peggy in her endeavors as Head of the Primary Division at Casady School, as a faculty member at Oklahoma City University, and as a founder of the American Montessori Society. Walter never had a bad word to say about anyone and was known for his trustworthiness, his generosity, and his care for those in need, whether family, friends or employees. In 1995, Walter and Peggy retired to Naples, Florida, where they enjoyed the warm weather and beautiful beaches for 12 years, before moving to The Summit in Austin, Texas, to be closer to family. In October, 2009, Walter and Peggy moved again, this time to the beautiful Hill Country of Texas, where he and Peggy lived in a new "green" home designed and built by their architect son-in-law, Jay, adjacent to Lynne and Jay's own home. This new home, utilizing all the latest energy-saving materials and methods, provided much pleasure to Walter as he watched its construction and enjoyed living in it with Peggy.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Margaret Loeffler Harris, Louis Loeffler, Jr., Norman F. Loeffler, Marion Loeffler, and John G. Loeffler; two nephews, Dr. Louis "Lou" Loeffler and Norman F. Loeffler, Jr.; and an infant son, Bruce.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Margaret "Peggy" Howard Loeffler, of Blanco, TX; his son, Dr. Scott Howard Loeffler, and wife, Evelien Huismans, and grandson, Guido Jesse Loeffler, all of Christchurch, New Zealand, and granddaughter, Dr. Hanna T. Loeffler, of Opotiki, New Zealand; his daughter, Lynne Loeffler, and husband, Jay West, of Blanco, TX; granddaughter, Kate Loeffler West Baird, and husband, Peter, of London, England; granddaughter, Kelly Loeffler West, and husband, Bryan Blanton, of Austin, TX; his son, Walter Barnes "Barney" Loeffler, Jr., and wife, Janet Anderson Loeffler; grandson, Corbin Carroll; grandson, Courtland Barnes Loeffler, and wife, Correne Stout Loeffler; great-grandson, Payton Grisham Loeffler; and Payton's paternal grandmother, Michael Fife, and husband, Dr. Creighton Edwards, all of Houston, TX; his sister-in-law, Dorris Loeffler, of Oklahoma City; and eight loving nieces and nephews who always remained close to "Uncle Walter."
A memorial service and celebration of Walter's life will be held Saturday, September 18, at 11:30 a.m., at All Souls' Episcopal Church, 6400 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City, where Walter was project manager on the original construction of the church. Following this service, he will be entombed in the Columbarium there.The family would appreciate receiving pictures or notes about memories of Walter, which they will share at an informal lunch and social hour following the service. Contact: Peggy Loeffler, 3873 McCall Creek Road, Blanco, TX 78606. [email protected]
--Published in The Oklahoman on August 22, 2010
The Austin American Statesman
Sunday, June 27, 2010
***
With a smile that lit up the room when he spotted family or friends, Walter brought joy into the world for 92 years. Born April 24, 1918, in Chicago, IL, to Anna Catherine Spohr and Louis Loeffler, he slipped peacefully away in his own bed in Blanco, TX, on June 11, 2010, surrounded by loving family and caregivers.
Walter was the grandchild of Franz Loeffler and his young wife, Clara Wittmann, who immigrated to the Chicago area in the 1880's from Bavaria, seeking a freedom of expression not allowed in the "Old World." Although raised in Oklahoma City, the 4th of 6 children and two generations removed from his German ancestors, Walter inherited a strong sense of fairness -- along with a streak of stubbornness --from his parents and grandparents. As a child, he grew up exploring the world around him, developing his inquisitive mind and his social skills. He was always willing to strike up a conversation with anyone, no matter what race, religion or background, and he saw the "good" in everyone. He graduated from Classen High School, where he played oboe in the band. Whether from that experience or his German roots, he loved classical music, attending the symphony regularly and listening to opera at home.
Walter had "engineering in his blood:" his father, Louis Loeffler, Sr., and his uncle, Frank X. Loeffler, Sr., founded the engineering supply company that has become Federal Corporation (still located in what is now "Bricktown") the day before Walter was born. After leaving Classen High, Walter was accepted into the College of Engineering at Purdue University, where he met the love of his life and wife of 69 years, Margaret "Peggy" Howard.
He graduated just as the U.S. was being drawn into WWII and entered the Army, first as a member of the Ordinance Division at The Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. He later transferred to the Army Air Corps, serving as a pilot and aircraft engineer at Wright-Patterson Field in Dayton, Ohio, and rising to the rank of Major. He remained always a keen enthusiast of airplanes and flying, though his devotion to family and work never afforded him time to pursue flying in civilian life, except as co-pilot with his college roommate, a test pilot for Cessna, on trips with their wives to Purdue football games.
Walter and Peggy lived and worked in Oklahoma City for 50 years, raising three children and leaving their mark on the city. Upon returning after the war, Walter chose to strike out on his own in the construction industry, rather than joining the family firm. He went to work as project manager for a commercial contractor, and then as a mechanical engineer for W.A. Landers Company, a commercial heating, plumbing and air conditioning firm which he managed for many years and later owned. During his years in construction, Walter worked on many interesting projects, including Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Wright's Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park, Pa.; Penn Square Mall; air-conditioned hangars for Boeing Jumbo airplanes at American Airlines' maintenance headquarters in Tulsa; huge computer "clean rooms" for Hertz Reservation Center, and a multitude of projects for Baptist Medical Center during its decades of expansion. He was so much a part of the growth of Baptist Medical Center that its mechanical equipment building was named in his honor.Along the way, Walter held positions of leadership in engineering and contracting associations, was a highly-regarded mediator in union-management conflicts, served as President of the Purdue University Alumni Club, and was an active member of All Souls' Episcopal Church.
He always supported Peggy in her endeavors as Head of the Primary Division at Casady School, as a faculty member at Oklahoma City University, and as a founder of the American Montessori Society. Walter never had a bad word to say about anyone and was known for his trustworthiness, his generosity, and his care for those in need, whether family, friends or employees. In 1995, Walter and Peggy retired to Naples, Florida, where they enjoyed the warm weather and beautiful beaches for 12 years, before moving to The Summit in Austin, Texas, to be closer to family. In October, 2009, Walter and Peggy moved again, this time to the beautiful Hill Country of Texas, where he and Peggy lived in a new "green" home designed and built by their architect son-in-law, Jay, adjacent to Lynne and Jay's own home. This new home, utilizing all the latest energy-saving materials and methods, provided much pleasure to Walter as he watched its construction and enjoyed living in it with Peggy.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Margaret Loeffler Harris, Louis Loeffler, Jr., Norman F. Loeffler, Marion Loeffler, and John G. Loeffler; two nephews, Dr. Louis "Lou" Loeffler and Norman F. Loeffler, Jr.; and an infant son, Bruce.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Margaret "Peggy" Howard Loeffler, of Blanco, TX; his son, Dr. Scott Howard Loeffler, and wife, Evelien Huismans, and grandson, Guido Jesse Loeffler, all of Christchurch, New Zealand, and granddaughter, Dr. Hanna T. Loeffler, of Opotiki, New Zealand; his daughter, Lynne Loeffler, and husband, Jay West, of Blanco, TX; granddaughter, Kate Loeffler West Baird, and husband, Peter, of London, England; granddaughter, Kelly Loeffler West, and husband, Bryan Blanton, of Austin, TX; his son, Walter Barnes "Barney" Loeffler, Jr., and wife, Janet Anderson Loeffler; grandson, Corbin Carroll; grandson, Courtland Barnes Loeffler, and wife, Correne Stout Loeffler; great-grandson, Payton Grisham Loeffler; and Payton's paternal grandmother, Michael Fife, and husband, Dr. Creighton Edwards, all of Houston, TX; his sister-in-law, Dorris Loeffler, of Oklahoma City; and eight loving nieces and nephews who always remained close to "Uncle Walter."
A memorial service and celebration of Walter's life will be held Saturday, September 18, at 11:30 a.m., at All Souls' Episcopal Church, 6400 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City, where Walter was project manager on the original construction of the church. Following this service, he will be entombed in the Columbarium there.The family would appreciate receiving pictures or notes about memories of Walter, which they will share at an informal lunch and social hour following the service. Contact: Peggy Loeffler, 3873 McCall Creek Road, Blanco, TX 78606. [email protected]
--Published in The Oklahoman on August 22, 2010
Loeffler, Walter Barnes, 92, retired engineer, or Blanco, formerly of Naples, Fla., died June 11. Survived by wife Margaret. Services 4 p.m. Wednesday, Summit at Westlake Hills. Burial All Souls Episcopal Church, Oklahoma City. Arrangements by All Faiths, south location.
The Austin American Statesman
Sunday, June 27, 2010
***
With a smile that lit up the room when he spotted family or friends, Walter brought joy into the world for 92 years. Born April 24, 1918, in Chicago, IL, to Anna Catherine Spohr and Louis Loeffler, he slipped peacefully away in his own bed in Blanco, TX, on June 11, 2010, surrounded by loving family and caregivers.
Walter was the grandchild of Franz Loeffler and his young wife, Clara Wittmann, who immigrated to the Chicago area in the 1880's from Bavaria, seeking a freedom of expression not allowed in the "Old World." Although raised in Oklahoma City, the 4th of 6 children and two generations removed from his German ancestors, Walter inherited a strong sense of fairness -- along with a streak of stubbornness --from his parents and grandparents. As a child, he grew up exploring the world around him, developing his inquisitive mind and his social skills. He was always willing to strike up a conversation with anyone, no matter what race, religion or background, and he saw the "good" in everyone. He graduated from Classen High School, where he played oboe in the band. Whether from that experience or his German roots, he loved classical music, attending the symphony regularly and listening to opera at home.
Walter had "engineering in his blood:" his father, Louis Loeffler, Sr., and his uncle, Frank X. Loeffler, Sr., founded the engineering supply company that has become Federal Corporation (still located in what is now "Bricktown") the day before Walter was born. After leaving Classen High, Walter was accepted into the College of Engineering at Purdue University, where he met the love of his life and wife of 69 years, Margaret "Peggy" Howard.
He graduated just as the U.S. was being drawn into WWII and entered the Army, first as a member of the Ordinance Division at The Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. He later transferred to the Army Air Corps, serving as a pilot and aircraft engineer at Wright-Patterson Field in Dayton, Ohio, and rising to the rank of Major. He remained always a keen enthusiast of airplanes and flying, though his devotion to family and work never afforded him time to pursue flying in civilian life, except as co-pilot with his college roommate, a test pilot for Cessna, on trips with their wives to Purdue football games.
Walter and Peggy lived and worked in Oklahoma City for 50 years, raising three children and leaving their mark on the city. Upon returning after the war, Walter chose to strike out on his own in the construction industry, rather than joining the family firm. He went to work as project manager for a commercial contractor, and then as a mechanical engineer for W.A. Landers Company, a commercial heating, plumbing and air conditioning firm which he managed for many years and later owned. During his years in construction, Walter worked on many interesting projects, including Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Wright's Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park, Pa.; Penn Square Mall; air-conditioned hangars for Boeing Jumbo airplanes at American Airlines' maintenance headquarters in Tulsa; huge computer "clean rooms" for Hertz Reservation Center, and a multitude of projects for Baptist Medical Center during its decades of expansion. He was so much a part of the growth of Baptist Medical Center that its mechanical equipment building was named in his honor.Along the way, Walter held positions of leadership in engineering and contracting associations, was a highly-regarded mediator in union-management conflicts, served as President of the Purdue University Alumni Club, and was an active member of All Souls' Episcopal Church.
He always supported Peggy in her endeavors as Head of the Primary Division at Casady School, as a faculty member at Oklahoma City University, and as a founder of the American Montessori Society. Walter never had a bad word to say about anyone and was known for his trustworthiness, his generosity, and his care for those in need, whether family, friends or employees. In 1995, Walter and Peggy retired to Naples, Florida, where they enjoyed the warm weather and beautiful beaches for 12 years, before moving to The Summit in Austin, Texas, to be closer to family. In October, 2009, Walter and Peggy moved again, this time to the beautiful Hill Country of Texas, where he and Peggy lived in a new "green" home designed and built by their architect son-in-law, Jay, adjacent to Lynne and Jay's own home. This new home, utilizing all the latest energy-saving materials and methods, provided much pleasure to Walter as he watched its construction and enjoyed living in it with Peggy.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Margaret Loeffler Harris, Louis Loeffler, Jr., Norman F. Loeffler, Marion Loeffler, and John G. Loeffler; two nephews, Dr. Louis "Lou" Loeffler and Norman F. Loeffler, Jr.; and an infant son, Bruce.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Margaret "Peggy" Howard Loeffler, of Blanco, TX; his son, Dr. Scott Howard Loeffler, and wife, Evelien Huismans, and grandson, Guido Jesse Loeffler, all of Christchurch, New Zealand, and granddaughter, Dr. Hanna T. Loeffler, of Opotiki, New Zealand; his daughter, Lynne Loeffler, and husband, Jay West, of Blanco, TX; granddaughter, Kate Loeffler West Baird, and husband, Peter, of London, England; granddaughter, Kelly Loeffler West, and husband, Bryan Blanton, of Austin, TX; his son, Walter Barnes "Barney" Loeffler, Jr., and wife, Janet Anderson Loeffler; grandson, Corbin Carroll; grandson, Courtland Barnes Loeffler, and wife, Correne Stout Loeffler; great-grandson, Payton Grisham Loeffler; and Payton's paternal grandmother, Michael Fife, and husband, Dr. Creighton Edwards, all of Houston, TX; his sister-in-law, Dorris Loeffler, of Oklahoma City; and eight loving nieces and nephews who always remained close to "Uncle Walter."
A memorial service and celebration of Walter's life will be held Saturday, September 18, at 11:30 a.m., at All Souls' Episcopal Church, 6400 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City, where Walter was project manager on the original construction of the church. Following this service, he will be entombed in the Columbarium there.The family would appreciate receiving pictures or notes about memories of Walter, which they will share at an informal lunch and social hour following the service. Contact: Peggy Loeffler, 3873 McCall Creek Road, Blanco, TX 78606. [email protected]
--Published in The Oklahoman on August 22, 2010
The Austin American Statesman
Sunday, June 27, 2010
***
With a smile that lit up the room when he spotted family or friends, Walter brought joy into the world for 92 years. Born April 24, 1918, in Chicago, IL, to Anna Catherine Spohr and Louis Loeffler, he slipped peacefully away in his own bed in Blanco, TX, on June 11, 2010, surrounded by loving family and caregivers.
Walter was the grandchild of Franz Loeffler and his young wife, Clara Wittmann, who immigrated to the Chicago area in the 1880's from Bavaria, seeking a freedom of expression not allowed in the "Old World." Although raised in Oklahoma City, the 4th of 6 children and two generations removed from his German ancestors, Walter inherited a strong sense of fairness -- along with a streak of stubbornness --from his parents and grandparents. As a child, he grew up exploring the world around him, developing his inquisitive mind and his social skills. He was always willing to strike up a conversation with anyone, no matter what race, religion or background, and he saw the "good" in everyone. He graduated from Classen High School, where he played oboe in the band. Whether from that experience or his German roots, he loved classical music, attending the symphony regularly and listening to opera at home.
Walter had "engineering in his blood:" his father, Louis Loeffler, Sr., and his uncle, Frank X. Loeffler, Sr., founded the engineering supply company that has become Federal Corporation (still located in what is now "Bricktown") the day before Walter was born. After leaving Classen High, Walter was accepted into the College of Engineering at Purdue University, where he met the love of his life and wife of 69 years, Margaret "Peggy" Howard.
He graduated just as the U.S. was being drawn into WWII and entered the Army, first as a member of the Ordinance Division at The Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. He later transferred to the Army Air Corps, serving as a pilot and aircraft engineer at Wright-Patterson Field in Dayton, Ohio, and rising to the rank of Major. He remained always a keen enthusiast of airplanes and flying, though his devotion to family and work never afforded him time to pursue flying in civilian life, except as co-pilot with his college roommate, a test pilot for Cessna, on trips with their wives to Purdue football games.
Walter and Peggy lived and worked in Oklahoma City for 50 years, raising three children and leaving their mark on the city. Upon returning after the war, Walter chose to strike out on his own in the construction industry, rather than joining the family firm. He went to work as project manager for a commercial contractor, and then as a mechanical engineer for W.A. Landers Company, a commercial heating, plumbing and air conditioning firm which he managed for many years and later owned. During his years in construction, Walter worked on many interesting projects, including Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Wright's Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park, Pa.; Penn Square Mall; air-conditioned hangars for Boeing Jumbo airplanes at American Airlines' maintenance headquarters in Tulsa; huge computer "clean rooms" for Hertz Reservation Center, and a multitude of projects for Baptist Medical Center during its decades of expansion. He was so much a part of the growth of Baptist Medical Center that its mechanical equipment building was named in his honor.Along the way, Walter held positions of leadership in engineering and contracting associations, was a highly-regarded mediator in union-management conflicts, served as President of the Purdue University Alumni Club, and was an active member of All Souls' Episcopal Church.
He always supported Peggy in her endeavors as Head of the Primary Division at Casady School, as a faculty member at Oklahoma City University, and as a founder of the American Montessori Society. Walter never had a bad word to say about anyone and was known for his trustworthiness, his generosity, and his care for those in need, whether family, friends or employees. In 1995, Walter and Peggy retired to Naples, Florida, where they enjoyed the warm weather and beautiful beaches for 12 years, before moving to The Summit in Austin, Texas, to be closer to family. In October, 2009, Walter and Peggy moved again, this time to the beautiful Hill Country of Texas, where he and Peggy lived in a new "green" home designed and built by their architect son-in-law, Jay, adjacent to Lynne and Jay's own home. This new home, utilizing all the latest energy-saving materials and methods, provided much pleasure to Walter as he watched its construction and enjoyed living in it with Peggy.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Margaret Loeffler Harris, Louis Loeffler, Jr., Norman F. Loeffler, Marion Loeffler, and John G. Loeffler; two nephews, Dr. Louis "Lou" Loeffler and Norman F. Loeffler, Jr.; and an infant son, Bruce.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Margaret "Peggy" Howard Loeffler, of Blanco, TX; his son, Dr. Scott Howard Loeffler, and wife, Evelien Huismans, and grandson, Guido Jesse Loeffler, all of Christchurch, New Zealand, and granddaughter, Dr. Hanna T. Loeffler, of Opotiki, New Zealand; his daughter, Lynne Loeffler, and husband, Jay West, of Blanco, TX; granddaughter, Kate Loeffler West Baird, and husband, Peter, of London, England; granddaughter, Kelly Loeffler West, and husband, Bryan Blanton, of Austin, TX; his son, Walter Barnes "Barney" Loeffler, Jr., and wife, Janet Anderson Loeffler; grandson, Corbin Carroll; grandson, Courtland Barnes Loeffler, and wife, Correne Stout Loeffler; great-grandson, Payton Grisham Loeffler; and Payton's paternal grandmother, Michael Fife, and husband, Dr. Creighton Edwards, all of Houston, TX; his sister-in-law, Dorris Loeffler, of Oklahoma City; and eight loving nieces and nephews who always remained close to "Uncle Walter."
A memorial service and celebration of Walter's life will be held Saturday, September 18, at 11:30 a.m., at All Souls' Episcopal Church, 6400 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City, where Walter was project manager on the original construction of the church. Following this service, he will be entombed in the Columbarium there.The family would appreciate receiving pictures or notes about memories of Walter, which they will share at an informal lunch and social hour following the service. Contact: Peggy Loeffler, 3873 McCall Creek Road, Blanco, TX 78606. [email protected]
--Published in The Oklahoman on August 22, 2010
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