Walter F. Maser Obituary
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Walt's life will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, on Friday, March 20, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am, with Rev. Doug Vernon officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 am, one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Green Bower Cemetery. Memorials if desired may be made in his memory to a local no kill shelter of your choosing.
Walter F. Maser, Age 88, passed away on March 12, 2026, with family at his side. He was born on August 9, 1937, in the Bronx, New York, the son of the late Walter L. and Julia (Hermack) Maser.
Walter grew up in the Bronx, attended Roosevelt High School and was recruited to Kalamazoo College on a basketball scholarship where he earned a Bachelor's in Business. Upon graduation, Walter returned to New York and enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he served our country with honor.
He later moved back to Kalamazoo where he met and married his first wife, Jeanette (Hotrum). They began a family and became friendly members of the Kalamazoo community.
Walt worked hard to provide for his family. He was employed by Fuller Transmission, Eaton Corporation as well as National Waterlift Corporation. When not working his hobbies included cars, building and repairing them, racing them, buying and selling them. He raced both ¼ mile oval track as well as drag racing at Martin Speedway. His love of basketball also continued throughout his life. Walt played in local leagues and pick-up games until his knees no longer allowed him to.
Walt's other great love in life was his dogs. From his first dog Speedo to the many other dogs he loved; Chip, Sophie, so many other sweet K-9 souls, to his last dog Joey, each of them became close and cherished companions for Walt.
Walt married his second wife, Susan Warner. Susie shared Walt's love of race cars and often drove the car at Martin drag strip with Walt serving as pit crew and mechanic. They divorced but continued to be close friends throughout life.
In his later years, Walt's physical health deteriorated but his mental acuity remained strong along with his determination to live independently. He was stoic and strong in the face of the numerous physical challenges he faced, never complaining, always pushing himself forward.
He loved having dinner every Sunday at the Texas Corral and enjoyed seeing the regulars and staff there. He maintained a strong faith in the Lord and enjoyed listening to Bible sermons online once he was no longer able to attend church in person.
Walt's warm smile and friendly manner will be missed by all who loved him. He leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived.
He is survived and will be remembered by his children, Deborah (Bob) Higgins and John Maser; grandchildren, Tara (Ryan) Maser-Day, Chase Maser and Caleb Maser; great-grandson, Knox Day; former spouse, Susan Maser; stepdaughter, Jodi Warner; his neighbor and good friend Jeff Lemley; many other friends, neighbors and extended family.
Walt was also preceded in passing by his sister, Mildred and his first wife Jeanette.
