Walter R. Land

Walter R. Land of Glen Ellyn, Illinois passed away on August 12, 2023 at the age of 85.  Beloved husband of Phyllis (Loy) for 63 years.  Loving father of Michael (Kristine Ralston) Land, Steven (John Mulvehill) Land, Susan (Matt) Rush and Teresa (Tom) Czech.  Dear grandfather of Kallan, Sierra, Jake & Karl Land and Mason, Carson, Addison & Grayson Rush and Lincoln Czech.  Walt was younger brother to the late Myrna (Bill) Gray of Slidell, Louisiana.

Walt grew up (6’ 8”)  in the small town of El Reno, Oklahoma where he excelled in the classroom as well as on the football field and basketball court being selected as an All-American.  After high school Walt had many college scholarship offers both in and out of Oklahoma, but he already had his sights set on attending the United States Naval Academy where he’d eventually receive an appointment.  Walt enjoyed his time at the USNA where he continued to play basketball and row crew.  He thought the USNA’s education was first rate, the pace was fast, the experience unique and the price was right.  The day after graduation Walt married his high school sweetheart Phyllis D. Loy and moved to Long Beach, California where he started as a Main Battery Officer aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge (CVS-33).  A year later they had their first son (Michael) and were enjoying Navy life.  After two years Walt received orders to the U.S.S. Shields (DD-596) in San Diego as a Gunnery Officer.  He’d recount it having the finest crew and topside maintenance on the West Coast.  Except  for cramped quarters, Walt was enjoying all the Navy had to offer.  In 1964 Walt was offered assignment to the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) and explored his options for a naval career.  After spending two and a half years at BUPARS and the addition of twins (Steven & Susan) Walt offered his resignation and started working for Amoco in Washington DC.  After a year and a half Walt welcomed daughter number two (Teresa) and then transferred to Amoco’s corporate headquarters in Chicago.  Before leaving D.C. Walt reinstated his Navy commission and went on to serve 30 years in the USN reserves, reaching the rank of Captain.  After 25 rewarding years with Amoco in Chicago, changing positions every two years and moving back to his maritime roots selling off Amoco’s International Fleet, Walt started a new career, retirement.

Retirement meant primarily international travel with Phyllis and wading in Colorado and Montana trout streams.  Walt enjoyed his place in Whitefish, Montana where he frequented the white water of the Flathead River system, the slopes at Big Mountain  and hikes in Glacier National Park.  Always desiring a stretch to call his own Walt eventually bought an off the grid property on the Clark Fork River west of Missoula and built their cottage in the woods.  Professionally Walt obtained his CFP and continued to be involved with investing and management.  At the end of the day though Walt loved the Chicago area and his family and friends with winters usually somewhere a bit warmer.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, August 21st at 10:00 am at the First United Methodist Church, 424 Forest Ave. Glen Ellyn, IL.  Private family burial following. Celebration of life luncheon at Reserve 22, 485 Winchell Way, Glen Ellyn, IL at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation (https://www.Michael fox.org) and/or the Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org).

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