Walter “Walt” Kuemmerlin, Jr., age 62, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Aug. 5, at Redrocks. Walt was born in Fort Collins on February 8, 1956. He was the second child and first son of Rita and Walter Kuemmerlin, Sr.
Walt, also known to many friends and family as “Wally,” grew up on his parents’ farm in Waverly. He graduated from Poudre High School in 1974, and married Jeanine Schmitt in 1976. They soon moved to Wellington to raise their two children, Colby and Angie Kuemmerlin.
Walt served as mayor of Wellington for several years, where, in his words, he helped “jump-start the town into the 20th century.” He would say that “getting old codgers to change” was no easy task, and required a lot of patience and listening. His many accomplishments as mayor included building the children’s playground, constructing the baseball field, and improving the city park.
Walt had a long and productive career at Colorado State University, where he worked for 28 years in Food Services and Housing. He was particularly proud of his participation in the Classified Personnel Council, where he served “with distinction” locally and state-wide.
In August 2001 Walt married Jacquie Tanner, his best friend and travel companion. In doing so, he embraced four additional sons and their growing families.
Walt was a master craftsman; he could build anything from quality cabinets to entire houses. After his retirement from CSU, he and Jacquie embarked upon a new career of seeing the country in their motor home and on their motorcycle. They visited 48 different states and several Canadian provinces, enjoying the beauty of the landscapes and the many kind friends they met. Not to mention the excellent micro-brews and fine golf courses they sampled along the way.
Walt loved a good project, so he and Jacquie took breaks from traveling by “saving homes,” creating beautiful houses by rebuilding them from the bottom up. They were most proud of the historic J.W. Blackwell house in Darlington, South Carolina, which they finished in 2017.
In March of this year, Walt and Jacquie sold their Blackwell house along with the possessions and responsibilities of home ownership, and geared up for the next phase of their life’s adventure. Sadly, their plans to continue traveling and seeing friends and family together were cut short. One may wonder if the Lord had some special projects He needed Walt’s help with above that just couldn’t wait.
Walt Kuemmerlin, Jr. was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Kuemmerlin. He is survived by his wife, Jacquie Kuemmerlin; his parents, Walter and Rita Kuemmerlin; sister, Sandra (Tom) Ball; son, Colby (Priscilla) Kuemmerlin; daughter, Angie (Darin) Pesola; step-sons, Jon Tanner, Jason Tanner, Jered (Andrea) Tanner, and Chris Tanner; and grandchildren, Savannah Tanner, Calem Tanner, Andrew Tanner, Jaiden Pesola, Morgan Tanner, Jon Tanner, Lucas Pesola, Scottie Tanner, Xavier Kuemmerlin, and Rex Tanner and extended family, Nikki Storms Tanner and Joe and Renee Schmucker and family.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Walt’s life during an informal, outdoor gathering at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18. It will be held at the home of Dick and Edna Tarlip, 3024 N. Shields St., Fort Collins.
Friends may send condolences to the family at http://bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.
