Walter L. Goldsmith Sr.

Lifelong area resident Walter L. Goldsmith, died at home surrounded by his loving family late Friday, December 23, 2016. 

His surviving family includes six of his seven sons, Bob, Dave (Penny), Richard, Tim, Joe, and Bill (Sonya) Goldsmith, five daughters, Rose (Tom) Purdy, Shirley (Jerry) Amthor, Ruth (Leroy) Nestle, Carol (Bill) Lacroix and Mary (Ray) Barnes, and 86 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  One brother, Dan Goldsmith and two sisters Marion Carpenter and Arlene Rohrer also survive.  He was preceded in death by his wife Lucille in 1988, two infant sons, Obie and Ralph, his son and daughter in law, Walter Jr. “Butch” and Bonnie Goldsmith, by his brothers, Casper, Leo and Bob Goldsmith and by his grandson, John Abraham Purdy and great granddaughter, Deana Lucille Kleinschrodt.

Walt was born September 21, 1925 near Larks Lake, his parents were Louis and Bertha (Daniels) Goldsmith, his family moved to Petoskey where Walt grew up.  Walt joined the United States Army and served in Japan with the occupation forces after WWII.  Following his discharge, he returned home and on April 12, 1947, he married Lucille J. Wicker at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.  Together they raised 12 children.  Sadly, Lucille preceded Walt in death on December 15, 1988, Walt never remarried.

Walt worked for the Petoskey Portland Cement Company – (Penn Dixie) for more than 30 years.  When the plant closed Walt then worked for the East Jordan Iron Works and later A&L Iron.

He was an avid hunter and hunted every deer season well into his 80’s and also enjoyed going to auctions.  He will always be remembered by his grandchildren for always having a lap and a warm hug for them.

His family will receive friends during a visitation at Stone Funeral Home on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  A graveside committal service will take place at St. Francis Cemetery on May 26, 2017 at 2pm.

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