Walter J. Specht, Jr., age 91, a Manitowoc resident, passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021 at Harbor View Assisted Living, Manitowoc.
He was born on December 22, 1929 in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, son of the late Walter Specht, Sr. and Katherine (Krause) Specht. He attended Kaukauna High School and proudly served in the United States Navy from 1948 until 1952 when he was honorably discharged as a Petty Officer-3rd Class. On April 25, 1953 he married Donna Landt at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Two Rivers. Together they celebrated an incredible 68 years of marriage.
Walter was employed as a foreman with Vinton Construction for over 20 years. He volunteered at VA Clinics and the Avenue of Flags. He was a huge Green Bay Packers fan. Walter was a member of the AMVET Post #99, American Legion #88, VFW Otto Oas #659, and Eagles Aerie #706. He was a past commander of the Wisconsin AMVETS and held offices from the local level up to the national level within the AMVETS organization. He enjoyed hunting, especially deer hunting with his sons. He was a former Manitowoc Alderman and was known by locals as “The Flag Man.” Every Memorial Day Parade he handed out flags to people along the parade route.
Survivors include: his wife of 68 years: Donna Specht; his children: Jeffrey (Germaine) Specht, Judy (Terry) Sleger, Rick Specht, Nancy (Monte) Miller; daughter-in-law: Amy Specht; six grandchildren: Erin (Dave) Rocklewitz, Jacob (Emily) Sleger, Amy (Jake) Merten, Katie (Dylan) Temme, Zach Specht, Ryan Specht; four great-grandchildren: Colin Sleger, Jackson Sleger, Evan Rocklewitz, Harper Temme; brother-in-law: David Kielgas; and sister-in-law: Dorothy Nielson. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Katherine Specht; son: Greg Specht; six siblings and their spouses; along with other relatives and friends.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi on Marshall from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Marshall, 1114 South 21st Street, Manitowoc. Celebrating the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Doug LeCaptain. Military Honors will be accorded by AMVETS Post #99 at the church. Walter will be laid to rest at Forest View Cemetery, Two Rivers, at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.
The Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
The family would like to extend a special thanks you to Advocate Aurora Hospice and Harbor View Assisting Living of Manitowoc for their care and compassion shown to Walter.
