Walter L. Shermeta's Obituary
Walter L. Shermeta, age 86, passed away Saturday evening, March 8, 2008 in Ludington at his home. Walter was born in Fruitport, Michigan on February 2, 1922, to the late William and Katherine Shermeta. On November 30, 1944 he married Eleanor Margaret Denhof, and they were married 56 years before she preceded him in death on August 24, 2001. Walter served his country in the US Army during World War II. Walter was the proud father of seven children, Carole (Keith) Woolf of Nunica, Jayne Plunkett (who passed away in 1990), Michael Shermeta, Debby Henretta all of North Muskegon, Ellen (Tim) Fuller of Fruitport, Daniel Shermeta of Muskegon, and Lisa (Mark) Kramer of Norton Shores. Walter is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and loving companion, Leota Cater of Ludington, MI. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Steve Shermeta; and sister, Irene Fodrocy. Walter worked 14 years for Farr View Dairy. He was the first owner and administrator of Hillcrest Nursing Home in North Muskegon. He then became owner and administrator of Riverside Nursing Home in Grand Haven, MI retiring in 1982. Some of his most enjoyable moments in his life were reading his various newspapers, dancing the polka, playing his harmonicas, mushroom hunting, Tiger baseball (win or lose), fishing off his boat and looking for trinkets and treasures at garage sales. Walter will be remembered by his family and friends for his generous loving non-judgmental ways, his sharp wit, great sense of humor and for always being the life of the party. He was a devout Catholic and was currently a member of St. Simon’s Catholic Church in Ludington. He was a previous member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Muskegon. Walter was a lifetime member of the Elks Club in Naples, FL, Eagles of Ludington #1354, American Legion Post 76, and the Ludington Boat Club. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be 11 AM Thursday at Our Lady of Grace, with Rev. Fr. Michael Olson presiding. VISITATION with the family will be 6-8 PM Wednesday at The Sytsema Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave. 231-726-5210. Burial will take place in Laketon Twp. Cemetery. Memorial Contributions: American Heart Association.
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