Walt E. Fichter

 It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of Walter (Butch) Edson Fichter, a beloved friend and community member, devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents: Lowell Edson Fichter and Marion Lucille Fichter; sister: Coleen Northrup; and infant daughter: Angela Fichter (with first wife Mary).

Walt is survived by his wife: Carol; son: Chris (Kristie) Fichter; daughters: Jeni (Nathan) Ellick, Jill (Evan) Brockman; dear grandchildren: Katie (fiancé Conner), Julia, Beth (Josh), Jack, Griffin, Arlo and Norah; nephew: Nick (Kathy) Bettis; their daughters: Terry-Lou and Mariah; and numerous cousins and their families.

Walt was also loved by his sisters-in-law: Cynthia Bargman (Linda Armantrout), Mary Beth (Wayne) Crawford and Laurie (Lynn) French; and their sons: Levi and Spencer; brothers-in-law: John Northrup, John (Sheila) Bargman; and his daughters: Hannah (Nick) and Meredith (Nate); and his grand-dog: Luna.

Walt was born and grew up in Shenandoah, Iowa where he attended high school. He graduated with a 2-year degree from Nebraska Technical (Southeast Community College) in Milford, Nebraska. He then valued his service to the country as a veteran of the US Army, National Guard Reserves. He later moved to Omaha to start his career, where he met Carol, his wife of 50 years and where they raised their three children.

He was a proud and dedicated Father always supporting his children’s goals and dreams, especially as they built families of their own. Walt cherished every moment with his grandkids. He loved being a spectator at their sporting events and activities, games of hide and seek and just being silly together.

Walt had a remarkable 47-year career as an Electrical Draftsman at the Leo a Daly Company, an Architectural Engineering firm in Omaha. He took great pride in his work, contributing his dedication and skill to numerous local and international projects. Walt enjoyed pointing out the lighting in numerous Omaha buildings his team designed together.

He had many hobbies and interests over the years including playing cards and pool, bowling, slow-pitch softball, car repairs and reconstruction, home renovations, watching sports, lawn mowing and vegetable gardening, lunch outings with friends, neighborly yard chats and particularly RGSA Softball where he volunteered for over 30 years as a coach, field manager and board member.

He loved to travel with highlights being a 3-week road trip on the Pacific Coast Hwy and many visits to Sedona, Arizona with Carol and recent family trip to Northern Minnesota with his children and grandchildren. His care of the natural world is notable. Whether feeding the birds and squirrels in the backyard or watching and listening for wildlife wherever he went, capturing photos and videos.

Walt had a wide circle of friends and former colleagues who he maintained rich relationships with throughout his life. He’ll be fondly remembered for his unassuming manner, his humor, light-hearted sarcasm and his unwavering support to those he called family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ralston Girls Softball Association (RGSA) in Walt’s memory.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at the Ralston Park and Ball Fields 7700 Park Dr, Ralston, NE 68127on Sunday, August 10th from 12:00 - 3:00 PM.