Obituary of Walter Eugene Kohlenbeck

Walter “Walt” Eugene Kohlenbeck Walt, age 52, passed away December 13, 2010, at his home in Yelm, WA. Cause of death is believed to be related to meningitis/encephalitis, which almost took his life in December 1999, and which forever changed his life. Walt was born May 26, 1958, to Heinz and Anna Kohlenbeck in Kaiserslautern, Germany, where he lived for 18 years. In 1976, he moved to Washington and lived briefly in Olympia before settling in Yelm, where he lived for 25 years. Although he never served in the military, he spent almost 30 years working at Ft. Lewis before a medical retirement in 2006. He had a special place in his heart for the military and up until he died, he would say, “I’m here to help the troops.” He enjoyed cars and working in his immaculate yard, loved helping and taking in unwanted animals, and would give the shirt off his back for his family and friends. Walt is survived by his mother Anna of Olympia; sister Patty and nephew Alex Stultz in Escondido, CA; Aunt Mathilde Ohlinger and cousin Heinz-Martin in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He was preceded in death by his father Heinz. Walt was deeply loved by his family and will be immensely missed. A small ceremony is being held to honor Walt. Donations may be made to Concern for Animals. To leave memories of Walt or condolences for his family, please click on "View Guestbook" below.