Stephen J. Walter

Stephen James Walter, 82, of North Robinson, died on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at Bucyrus Community Hospital.

Steve was born in Sandusky, Ohio on March 3, 1944 to the late Harold Albert and Arlean Lucille (Coffman) Walter. He attended Bucyrus High School prior to enlisting in the Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and also served a tour in the Mediterranean Sea. Following his time in the service, Steve returned to the area and became a certified welder. He left his mark on many products throughout various shops in the area but spent much of his welding career at Gledhill and Ohio Crane.

He thoroughly enjoyed the beauty that Alaska offered and made his way out there on multiple occasions. These trips often led to seasonal stays in the Aleutian Islands, working on the oil derricks at Pluto Bay; dredging gold on the Yucatan River and also working on offshore crab boats. But as much as Steve loved Alaska, he always returned to Crawford County, the place he called home.

Until his recent decline in health, Steve attended St. Paul Lutheran Church in North Robinson. He spent many days at area coffee houses and was grateful to those who paid him a visit while sipping on coffee. An artistic blacksmith, Steve created many useful and decorative creations which he sold at flea markets throughout Ohio. He also enjoyed collecting things, including stamps, coins, historical artifacts and antique tools.

He is survived by siblings, Tom Walter and Nancy Davenport as well as many nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Walter and Arlean (Coffman) Ratz Walter Gary; stepfather, Harold H.J. Gary; brother, Ronald (Caroln) Ratz; stepsister, Patricia Cates; and brothers-in-law, Hal Davenport and Robert Cates.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 23 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Upper Sandusky with Pastor Shawn Schneider officiating and full military rites will be provided by the Navy Honor Guard and the Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.

If desired, donations may be made payable to St. Paul Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor’s choice and will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service. Online memories are encouraged to be shared in his guestbook at www.wisefuneral.com.