Walter R. Frisbie

SOUTH BEND – Walter R. Frisbie, 89, residing in South Bend, IN passed away at 6:15 PM Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Elkhart Hospice House.  Walt retired from Bendix Corp after many years as a machinist.  He was born on December 12, 1925 in Berrien Springs, MI to the late William Levi and Mena Mathison (Rohne) Frisbie and has lived most of his life in South Bend. 

On June 30, 1946 in South Bend, IN at the First United Methodist Church he was united in marriage to Dessa N. (Apelgreen) Frisbie who survives.

Along with his loving wife of 68 years, Dessa Frisbie, Walt is also survived by his daughter, Linda Johnson of Mishawaka; four grandchildren, Julie (Todd) Wilson of Indianapolis, Jeff (Marija) Johnson of Niles, Robert (Stephanie) Johnson of Niles and Corey Marcus (Jen) Johnson of Austin, TX; three great grandchildren, Erica and Nathan Wilson, and Amelia Johnson; and his best friend, Roland Christl of Berrien Springs.

Walt was preceded in death by two daughters, Pamela Kaye Johnson and Joan Lorraine Frisbie; three sisters; and one brother.

Walt graduated in the Berrien Springs High School Class of 1943.  He served in the United States Army from 1944 – 1946, in the European Theater of operations as a wireman, and received three bronze battle stars for his service to our country.    

Walt coached Penn High School AAU Swim Team and Mishawaka YMCA Swim Team.   He played American Legion Baseball as a teenager.  Walt also coached baseball in Lydick.  He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and mushroom hunting in Benzonia, MI “up North”. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave, South Bend.  Graveside services with military rites will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN.  Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 – 7:00 PM Monday and one hour prior to services on Tuesday in the funeral home. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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