ObituaryWW
Walter Jalmer, Jr., age 88, of Minnetonka, our beloved husband, father
and Papa, passed at his home on Aug. 9, 2008. He was born to Walter and Winnifred
(O'Brien) Johnson on Sept. 5, 1919, in Bowman, N.D. Walter graduated from the Univ.
of Missouri's School of Journalism in 1941 and became a sports writer for the Superior
Telegram of Superior, Wise. He then moved to the Duluth Herald Tribune. In 1943, he
married Phyllis (Penny) Lorraine Haberman in Mpls.
After a brief career move to the Omaha World Herald, he joined the Minneapolis
Star as a staff reporter and feature writer. After a few years, he joined the editorial
writing staff. He received numerous journalistic honors, including The Missouri Writers
Guild Award in journalism and a fellowship from the New York Herald Tribune,
allowing him to travel to post -World War II Japan, Korea and Philippines to report on
conditions there. Walt left the paper to pursue his dream—running his own paper. He
pioneered two weeklies, The Maverick (of Excelsior) and The Wayzata News.
A true renaissance man—Walt's interests and talents included art, travel, birding,
story -telling, pranks, tennis, music, figure skating, writing, history, baseball, football,
genealogy and theatre. All of which he shared generously with his family and
community. Walt's life modeled the integrity and decency he wished for the world.
Walt is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Penny, daughters Nancy Johnson -
Highfill (Dean), Judy Johnson Bouts (Richard), son Walter Johnson (Annie) and nine
grandchildren. Funeral service, Wednesday, August 13, 20o8 at 2:00 pm,
Congregational Church of Excelsior, 471— 3rd Street, Excelsior, MN (952-474-5919)• A
reception will immedietly follow the service at church. Interment Chanhassen Pioneer
Cemetery, Chanhassen, MN. In honor of Walter, memorials are preferred to Parent
Television Council, P.O. Box 1855, Merrifield, VA 22116-9624.
Huber Funeral & Cremation Services
Excelsior Chapel 952-474-9595
wvvw.huberfunerals.com