Walter came from a family deeply rooted in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  His great grandfather came over from Norway and his grandfather served as mayor of Sioux Falls for many years.  Commitment to community and public service came naturally to Walter.  Following his graduation from Harvard Law School, he began his brilliant career at Best & Flanagan where he drafted the original condominium laws for the State of Minnesota.  Pro bono work went hand-in-hand as his practice flourished.

Curiosity and interest in Chinese culture led Walter to the U.S.-China People’s Friendship Association (USCPFA) where he met his second wife, Margaret Wong, a Chinese Language Instructor and Director of International Education at Breck School at the time.  Their more than 34-year marriage was a long-running love affair in which they found daily fulfillment in each other’s company.  Their joint leadership roles at USCPFA included being in attendance when Chinese Paramount Leader Deng Xiao Ping came to Washington D.C. to re-establish diplomatic relations between China and the U.S. in 1979, and leading many trips to China soon afterwards.  These trips, as well as their opening their home to frequent international visitors from China, Brazil, and many other countries, were crucial in accomplishing USCPFA’s mission of promoting mutual understanding between the peoples of China and the U.S.

Walter also served on the Boards of Trustees of Northwestern Health Sciences University and Yinghua Academy.  For almost two decades he was also the legal counsel for CHF/CHFF.

A gentleman, a scholar, and a giving person, Walter possessed a lifelong eagerness to learn, whether at work, at home, or at his many volunteer activities.   He was an astute listener, full of thoughtful questions and deliberations on any given topic; and with an internal compass filled with empathy, leavened by his quick wit and quiet sense of humor, his views on life steadily evolved over the years, and he grew to know what mattered most.  He acted on them with conviction.

A devoted family man, Walter doted on Margaret and all the children and grandchildren in their blended family.  He shared his hobbies with them: trains, cars, choral singing, books, movies, jokes, gardening, and importantly, grilling.  His kindness and engaging patience, steeped in Margaret’s deep and profound love for him, enveloped the entire family. Their combined ten grandchildren shine with a radiance that can only come from love.