Walter Imialek's Obituary
Walter John “Sam” Imialek, 90, of Hemet, CA, passed away at Christmas House in Hemet on March 31, 2012. He was born on September 25, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois and moved to San Bernardino in 1947 following his discharge from the United States Coast Guard. He retired from Norton Air Force Base in 1965 where he worked in civil service.
Walter moved to Florence, Oregon in 1980 where he and Theda lived until 2004. In Florence, Walter was very active in the Men’s Club of the St. Mary’s of the Dunes Catholic Church. He was one of the first drivers for the Friends of Florence Vans, which provided transportation for residents of Florence who needed cancer treatment in Eugene, Oregon.
Walter also volunteered his time driving the Veterans Administration Van. He was also very active in the Florence Elks where he was selected as the Elk of the Year in 2004.
He enjoyed his spare time walking his dogs at the South Jetty Dunes. Fishing and crabbing also consumed a major portion of his free time.
He was involved with many community organizations including; Knights of Columbus, Council 905; Veteran’s of Foreign Way 3232; Elks Lodge 1740. He was also involved with the Boy Schools and the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Volunteer Search and Rescue. He was also active with the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.
Walter was a devoted husband and very loving father and grandfather and dedicated himself to volunteering and making Florence, OR and San Bernardino, CA better places
Walter is survived by his wife of 64 years, Theda (Sturgeon), daughter Catherine Terry of San Diego, CA, and son Stephen Imialek of Brentwood, CA. Also surviving him are grandchildren, Michael Terry of San Diego, CA, Nicholas (Mary Miller) Terry of San Diego, CA, and great grandchildren, Skyler and Logan Terry.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, 1299 E. Highland Avenue, San Bernardino. A Rosary will be follow at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, 2525 N. Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino.
Interment with military honors will be held on Monday, April 9, 2012, 1:15 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren., and Riverside, CA.
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