Walter M. Gaudette Jr., Died May 8, 2018

Walter M. Gaudette Jr.

Died May 8, 2018

OMENA – Walter Madsen Gaudette Jr., 88, of Omena passed away at home on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 comforted by his family.

Walter was born July 26, 1929 in Jackson, Mississippi the son of Walter Sr. and Ruth (Davis) Gaudette.  On Sep. 19, 1950 he married Beverly Jean (Patrick) Gaudette, his loving wife of sixty-sevenyears, who survives.  Early in their marriage, Walter and Beverly moved to New Jersey while Walt was serving in the Army.  When Walt was sent to Germany, Beverly moved back to Michigan to await the birth of their first child.

Walter was a gifted engineer, without any formal training, who worked at General Motors for 30 years.  During his interview with GM, the interviewer discovered that Walter had designed a part already in a GM manual and was hired on the spot as an electrical engineer.  Walter’s inclination for invention resulted in many patents which allowed him to retire early in 1983.

Walter and Beverly purchased the Omena Inn in the late 1970’s and spent many years traveling between downstate and Omena to restore the dilapidated inn on the weekends. Walt and Beverly were able to move to Omena full time in the early 1980s where Walt loved to sail and help his neighbors.

Walter would often volunteer his skills and time helping his neighbors with their projects, instead of attending to projects at home, much to Bev’s dismay!  Walt was a lifelong sailor who enjoyed time out on the bay.  Walt’s boats also loved to sail and occasionally left shore without him.  Walter’s favorite part about being in Omena was spending time with his family and friends on the beach or having dinner on the deck.

Walter is survived by his loving family including his wife, Beverly; his three daughters, Julie (David) Flones, Jennifer (Tom) Wood, Jeanette (Nick) Maylen; and three grandchildren, Trevor (Sarah) Maylen, Andy (Laura) Wood and Libby Maylen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Charles Gaudette.

Private family services have been held and a celebration of Walter’s life will be July 26th at his home on Omena Pt. Rd.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Walter’s honor may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, PO Box 567, Northport, MI 49670 and/or Leelanau Christian Neighbors, PO Box 196, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

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