Roland Fay Walters' Obituary
Big Rapids -Roland F. Walters, 84, of Big Rapids, passed away Saturday, June 26, 2021, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.
He was born November 24, 1936, on the family farm in Colfax Township, the son of Clarence and Alice (Aris) Walters, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1954. Rollie then became a Journeyman Plumber at the age of 18, joining Local #70 Pipefitters Union, and became a Master Plumber at the age of 23.
Rollie worked as a pipefitter for Local #174, and then worked for Johnson Control for 25 years until retiring. He was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids. Rollie loved his farm where he raised Simmental cattle, and was active for years with the Mecosta County 4-H Program. He also had fond memories of his trips to Alaska, and enjoyed snowmobiling.
On December 1, 1956, he married Kay (nee Becker), who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Michael (Kathy) of Mt. Pleasant and Christopher (Laura) of Wyoming; daughter Cynthia Bachtel of Big Rapids; daughter-in-law Tammy Walters of Zeeland; nine grandchildren, Jason, Jennifer, Katelyn, Justin, Alycia, Nicole, Andrew, Cheyanna, and Isabelle; five great-granddaughters, Amelia, Nora, Olivia, Mia, and Jane; his sister Reva Leyder of Big Rapids; his brother Keith Walters of Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews. Rollie was preceded in death by his son Mark, and sister Betty Verrill.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 2, 2021, at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Father Jegar Fickel officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Rollie's family will greet friends from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 1, at the Mohnke Funeral Home, and at the church on Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to St. Mary's Catholic School. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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