Mary Kathryn Walter

Mary Kathryn Walter, 87, passed away peacefully in her home, in Bonita Springs, Florida, on May 14, 2026. Born on April 22,1939 in Appleton, Wisconsin, Mary was the only child of the late Edgar and Josephine (Luedke) Becker. She grew up in Appleton, spending summers at the family cottage on Lake Winnebago. Mary was a graduate of Northwestern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Following graduation, she worked as a surgical nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. It was during this time that she met her husband, Kenneth H. Walter. After the birth of their first child, they moved back to Appleton where Mary whole heartedly devoted herself to raising her family. A role she cherished most. Throughout her life, Mary was deeply committed to her family, church, and community. A volunteer extraordinaire, she was actively involved with The Infant Welfare Circle of Appleton and the Fox Valley Symphony, earning the prestigious Brava Award for outstanding service and dedication to the organization. For many years she delivered Meals on Wheels and sang in the choir at St. Mary’s Church. Her generous spirit, warm presence, and infectious personality touched countless lives. Mary was best known for her unwavering support of her children’s many school activities and sporting events, driving to multiple lessons and practices, and attending every football and basketball game, swim meet, and tennis match. She was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers and the New York Yankees, spending countless Sundays at Lambeau Field, and traveling to Milwaukee or Chicago to see the Yankees play. In retirement, Mary and Ken split their time between their homes in Wisconsin, on Lake Winnebago and Bonita Springs, Florida, where she loved spending time on the beach, getting ice cream at the Royal Scoop, and attending concerts at the Naples Philharmonic. Although she enjoyed her time in Florida, Mary was known to be happiest when sitting on her screened in porch in Wisconsin, with a cold Diet Pepsi or glass of chardonnay, surrounded by her family, looking out on the sparkling lake, and listening to the waves. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Kenneth H. Walter of Bonita Springs, FL; two daughters, Jennifer K. Bright and her husband John of Tampa, FL, and Melissa K. Kincaid and her husband Matthew of Zionsville, IN; one son, Grant K. Walter and his wife Erin of Denver, CO; and six beloved grandchildren, Emily J. Kincaid, George M. Kincaid, Maria K. Kincaid, Regan M. Bright, Channing G. Walter, and Campbell E. Walter. A Celebration of Mary’s Life is being planned for August in Wisconsin. Date and time TBD. To sign the guest registrar or leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Mary Kathryn Walter

April 22, 1939 - May 14, 2026