Walter Lewis Garland, 89, passed away peacefully on February 29, 2016 in Apache Junction, AZ.
Walter was born on October 7, 1926 in Ludington, Michigan to George Washington Garland and Lizzie Aurelia LaParr. He married Vera Wheeler (later divorced) with whom he had a daughter, Linda Kay Garland Marg. He then married Ruth Virginia Kollberg and was stepfather to her three children, Judith Ann Hoyt Loveall, Carol Jeanne Hoyt Krueskamp, and Charles Leslie Hoyt.
Walter worked as a factory worker and on the car ferries on Lake Michigan. He and Ruth later moved to Grand Rapids, MI where he worked at American Seating. He and Ruth were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1970. In 1972, Walter and Ruth moved from Grand Rapids, MI to Mesa, AZ due to Ruth’s health. He retired as a custodian from the Mesa School System. He told Ruth he was finally able to go back to school. After Ruth’s death, Walt married Zola Mortenson (deceased). They served as missionaries in the Nauvoo Mission.
Walter loved playing Santa Claus to family and friends for over 40 years. His favorite hobbies were wood carving and making things with wood. He complied volumes of family history, spent many hours in the Family History Center and loved attending the Mesa LDS Temple. During his last five years, he lived with his daughter, Carol Krueskamp.
Walter is survived by his daughter, Linda; his grandson, John Lewis Gregory, both of Camdenton, MO; his sister, Lillian Holmstrom of MI; his step-children, many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his six siblings; his step-daughter, Judith; his step son-in-law, William Howard Krueskamp; and his step-grandson, Mark Charles Hoyt.
Services will be held on Friday, March 4, 2016 at the Ironwood Crossings 2nd Ward, 41246 N. Barnes Pkwy, San Tan Valley, AZ. Family will greet friends for a visitation at 9:00am, followed by a funeral service at 10:00am. Burial will take place at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ.