Walter 'Wally' Schlegel

Walter “Wally” Schlegel, 91, of Brainerd, Minnesota, passed away on October 2, 2026, in Brainerd.

Wally was born on November 19, 1934, in Lastrup, Minnesota, to Albert and Dorothy (Tretter) Schlegel. On May 24, 1954, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Irene Gross, at Bull Dog Lake, Minnesota. Together, Wally and Irene built a life centered around family, hard work, and many cherished memories.

The couple lived in the Twin Cities and northern Minnesota before settling on their farm in Pine Center, where they raised their eight children. In 1978, the family moved to the Brainerd Lakes Area, where Wally went to work for Tuomi Construction. He later worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, loading planes with fire retardants during peak wildfire season, a position he held until his retirement.

Wally was a man who enjoyed life and the people around him. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved watching the Minnesota Vikings play football. After moving to the Lakes Area, he even took to the field himself, playing softball for Ron’s Squaw Point.

Anyone who knew Wally knew he had a competitive streak. He loved fast cars and especially enjoyed a good race, many of which were unofficially orchestrated between Wally and other members of the family. Whether racing cars, playing cards, or enjoying another friendly competition, Wally always liked to have a little fun.

Above all, Wally treasured time spent with his family and friends. Card games brought many hours of laughter and friendly rivalry around the table. He also loved a good conversation and was never much of a stranger to anyone. Wally could strike up a conversation with just about anybody, and his outgoing nature made it easy for him to connect with those around him.

Left to cherish his loving memory are his children, Bert Schlegel of Lakota, North Dakota, Dave (Nancy) Schlegel of Pillager, Mike (Sabrina) Schlegel of Maple Lake, Ned (Susan) Schlegel of Des Moines, Iowa, Renee LaDouceur of Brainerd, Roxi (Paul) Schmitz of St. Cloud, and Russ (Amber) Schlegel of Brainerd; 27 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; siblings, Christy (Grace) Schlegel of Minneapolis, Lorraine (Adam) Virnig of Hillman, Ray (Diane) Schlegel of Chisago, and Kathy (Chuck) Jones of Arizona; brother-in-law, Jerome Miers of Schaumburg, Illinois; sisters-in-law, Helen Schlegel of Harding and Sharon Schlegel of Pierz; as well as many extended family members and friends.

Wally was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Irene; son, Jeff Schlegel; daughter-in-law, Celina; son-in-law, Michael LaDouceur; parents, Albert and Dorothy Schlegel; sisters, MaryAnn Virnig and Patricia “Patsy” Miers; brothers, Kenny Schlegel and Robert “Bob” Schlegel; and brothers-in-law, Andrew Virnig and Lyle Bednarek.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday October 16, 2026, at 11:00am at St. Franics Catholic Church in Brainerd. There will be a visitation held one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.