Walter Lewis Slipke, 91, died peacefully in the presence of his children September 17, 2023, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Walt was born on August 11, 1932, in Norton, Kansas, and grew up in the small town of New Almelo, Kansas, where he was known as Wally. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served honorably from 1951 to 1954, including a deployment to the Korean War. After the military, Walt graduated from Fort Hays Kansas State College, married his first wife Dee, and began a family and a career in sales. They moved to Spencer, Iowa, in 1967 when Walt was working as a pharmaceutical sales rep. After a few years burning up the road, Walt decided to invest in the Spencer business community, by becoming owner/operator of the Super Valu grocery store and eventually Four Seasons Travel, among other business enterprises.
Walt was well known around town, especially by those who shopped at Super Valu, as he spent a lot of time there running the store. Having grown up during the depression era, Walt was a stickler for hard work and took nothing for granted. When it came time to relax, he enjoyed playing golf and cards with his buddies at the Country Club.
Walt remarried in 1980 to his current wife Beverly (Mugge) and they moved to Lake Okoboji. Bev had five kids and Walt had three; that made eight is enough. Walt retired in his 60s and he and Bev spent most of their time traveling, taking boat rides, or just sitting on the dock looking out at the lake. Walt loved to cook and considered himself a grill master, and, if you ever had one of his ribeyes, you’d likely agree.
His greatest joy in life came from being with his family and friends, sipping on a cocktail and talking about the day’s events, rehashing the sports scores or the latest moves in the stock market. He was always engaged, and his mind remained sharp as a tack right up until his passing. Walt appreciated all he had, and he would be the first to tell you he had a great life. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Walt was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elizabeth; brothers, Joe and Frank; and Linda Trytko (daughter through marriage). He is survived by his wife, Beverly; his children, Jeff (Lynne) Slipke, Jamie (Kim) Slipke, Emily (Jeff) Sorenson, John Mugge, Jay (Barb) Mugge, Ann Mugge, Karl Mugge and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A private family service will be held at the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. A burial with Military Honors will be held in the Lake View Gardens Cemetery in Okoboji. A friends and family celebration of life will be held on Saturday October 7, 2023, from 4-7 p.m., at the Spencer Golf & Country Club in Spencer, IA. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com
