Douglas Walter

DOUGLAS WALTER

Watkins

Douglas J. Walter, 62, a resident of Bettendorf, formerly of Watkins, died Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at Mayo Clinic and Hospitals in Rochester, Minn. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, May 5, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Bettendorf. His family will greet friends Sunday in the gathering space at the church from 2 to 5 p.m., with a prayer service to start visitation. There will be additional visitation one hour before the Mass on Monday. Honoring Doug's wishes, the rite of cremation will be accorded and inurnment will be in the Rock Island Memorial Cemetery. Halligan McCabe DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, assisted his family with arrangements.

Douglas James Walter was born April 3, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a son of Raymond and Rita (Murrin) Walter. He was united in marriage to Teresa Clopton on Sept. 29, 1979, in Moline, Ill. After graduating from Marycrest College, Doug went on to receive his master's from the University of Iowa. He was a social worker with the Davenport school system at the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency, retiring in April.

Doug's life centered on his family, faith and volunteering with any cause he felt compelled to help in the community. He was an active member of St. John Vianney, currently serving on the church board. Doug was proud to serve on numerous boards and associations throughout the years, including as treasurer of Arc of Scott County and coach for Special Olympics just to name a few. This year he was awarded the 2014 National Association of Social Workers Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of the work he had done to advance the field of social work and his advocacy for those who need social services. He was an unabashed liberal who believed helping people was the highest honor.

He embraced his Irish heritage through music, dance and playing the Bodhran drum. He loved to travel the world and embraced many cultures. His five years living in Hawaii, with his wife, Teresa, and many friends were very important to him and continued to be part of his life forever. He was an avid Hawkeye and Vikings fan.

Memorials may be made to either Arc of Scott County or the Iowa Special Olympics.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 34 years, Teresa; their children, Kyle (Laura) Walter and Kelsey (Joe) Schwab, both of Denver, Colo.; 11 siblings, John Walter, Janet Kelly, Dorothy Franzenburg, Dan Walter, Allen Walter, TJ Walter, Mary Rita Kromminga, Steven Walter, Roger Walter, Kevin Walter and Mark Walter; as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Karen; a nephew, Chris; a sister-in-law, Mary; and a brother-in-law, Colin. May they rest in peace.

Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Doug's obituary at www.hmdfuneral home.com.