Remembering Walter Thonen III

My name is Dawna, and these are some of my favorite people on the planet!  Walter and Nicole have been married for nearly 9 years.  They have two adorable children:  Willow, age 7, and Wynn, age 5.  Even if Nicole wasn't my daughter, and Walter wasn't my son-in-love, and Willow and Wynn weren't my grandchildren, they would all still be near and dear to my heart because of their visible love for each other.

Just a few days ago on June 14, 2015 Walter suddenly passed away at the too-young age of 36.  The loss is incalculable.  He was a loving, devoted husband and father.  He was a son who loved his parents and had worked in the family concrete business since his teens.  He was a caring brother to his 4 sisters and 9 brothers.  As a mother-in-law, I couldn't have asked for a better man to marry my daughter.  He was also a kind uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, and grandson.  Even in his weekend job as a bouncer, he touched the lives of countless people with his helpful attitude and generous spirit.  He will be greatly missed.

Knowing that Walter worked 2 jobs to support his sweet family, many have asked how they can donate monetarily to help his wife and children.  Nicole has primarily been a stay-at-home mom to Willow and Wynn and doing photography jobs on weekends.  I have set up this Gofundme page so that those who are interested can give.  Whether he was working on my roof, pouring a sidewalk for a neighbor, or reaching out to help a stranger, Walter always just "made a little room" in his schedule or his wallet or his heart.  Thanks to many of you who have expressed interest in doing the same.  What a way to remember our Walter.