Thomas Walters

Thomas "Red" Walters, 71, of Wausau, joined his heavenly family on Thursday, July 27, 2017. He was born in Wausau on September 9, 1945 to the late Gordon and Mary (Jankovich) Walters. Red served his Country honorably in the United States Army from December 31, 1962 until December 30, 1968. He received both a Vietnam Service Metal, as well as a Good Conduct Medal 1st Award. But life didn't really begin for Red until he met and married the love of his life, Joanie Beckman. They united in marriage on February 1, 1969. Red was a true sports fan but he was truest to his beloved Green Bay Packers, attending two Superbowls to cheer them on. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Most important to Red was his family and friends. He would join his friends every morning at McDonalds for coffee or stop in by his Loppnow family for some good conversation. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and made sure to let everyone know how much he loved them in his own way. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Red is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joanie; his two children, Traci (Mitchell) Ellenbecker and Steve Walters, both of Wausau; grandchildren, Jordan, Dylan and Cole Ellenbecker and Alexis and McKenzie Walters; brother David (significant other Denise Travis) of Wausau; and his sisters, Carol (Richard) Larsen of LaCrosse, June (Duane) Bonke of Merrill and Betty Gardner of Wausau. He is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Beside his parents, Red was preceded in death by his sister Janet Walters and his two brothers, Brian and Richard. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at Brainard Funeral Home Wausau-Chapel, 522 Adams Street. Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 4, 2017 at Restlawn Memorial Park, T4710 Troy Street, Wausau. Military Honors will be given by the Wausau American Legion Montgomery-Plant Dudley Post 10. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family to be given to a charity of their choice.