Walter Marta, 93 of Shadyside, Ohio died Sunday, March 24, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born June 7, 1925 in Shadyside, Ohio a son of the late Albert and Anelia Ochel Marta.
Walter was a retired employee of the former Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation’s Martins Ferry Mill, a member of the Shadyside Church of the Nazarene and a US Marine Corps veteran of World War II.
Walter was the unofficial morning greeter at the north end of Shadyside, sending us off with his signature wave and smile. He also lovingly cared for his beloved wife, Jo Ann for over 43 years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann Merritt Marta on February 27, 2010, whom he married on August 4, 1951; brothers, Andy Goral and Tony Gorrell and sisters, Mildred Gorrell, Helen Freese and Josephine Parker.
Surviving are his children, Walter (Eileen) Marta of Indianapolis, Indiana, Rev. Terry (Terri) Marta of Elk City, Kansas, Karen (Ted) Kulpa of Green Mountain, North Carolina and Jo Lynn (Roy) Gavlik of Shadyside, Ohio. Also thirteen grandchildren, Sarah (Landon) Nelson, Melissa (Peter) Murdock, Moriah (Jeff) Dillow, Nathan Marta, Dr. Kelly Kulpa, Laura Beth Kulpa, Valerie Kulpa, Teddy (Jenna) Kulpa, Matt (Jen) Kulpa, Jenny (Zac) Gavlik, Jody (Jeff) Terrace, Carl (Jayde) Gavlik and Ray Gavlik and twenty-two great grandchildren, Kinley, Jace, Ava, Brystol Jo, C.W., Tavan, Camden, Tre, Kylee, Cody, Chase, Johanna, Jaycee, Logan, Jack, Faith, Holden, Samuel, Elijah, Millie, Evie and Bibi and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received at the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory 3900 Central Avenue Shadyside, Ohio on Wednesday from 4 to 8 pm and at the Shadyside Church of the Nazarene on Thursday from 10 am until time of services at 11am with the Rev. Dr. Dennis Hancock and Rev. Michael Adkins officiating. Interment in the Holly Memorial Gardens in Pleasant Grove, Ohio with Full Military Honors by the Belmont County Veterans Association.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shadyside Church of the Nazarene by going to TMCFunding.com.
Share your thoughts and memories with Walter’s family at www.bauknechtaltmeyer. com.
Dear Lil’ Walter, Terry, Karen Sue, Jo Lynn & your families, May the words of The Rev. Dr. Peter Marshall comfort you as they have us in the loss of loved ones:
“Those we love are with the Lord,
and the Lord has promised to be with us.
If they are with Him,
and He is with us,
Then they cannot be very far away”
Uncle Walter you will truly be missed.I will always remember as a kid you visting my grandma. And saying welp Stella I got to be going.
JoLynn I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was the nicest person I have ever known and will be missed by so many. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jo Lynn Mark and I are so sorry for your family’s loss. We haven’t been back to Shadyside in a long time but still remember seeing your dad and he would always wave….We have fond memories…and that’s what you have to hold on to now. We will keep you and you family in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless Mark & Ivy Hughes
Condolences to your family from ours. Our memories of Walter will remain as he is rejoicing in heaven. A wonderful, kind and Christian man respected and loved.
Ah Walter you where a gentleman! I’ll never forget you!!! All the sleep overs we had had your house! You always went to the bakery always got us some goodies! Always seen him at Riesbecks always have me a hug! He saidcome up and go swimming any time! I will never forget you! May God rest your soul God bless the family
Uncle Walter…while separated by several hundred miles, when you talked with him, nothing was ever different…always had a sweet disposition and made you fell at home, no matter where you were in life. Uncle Walter never was caught up with the things of the world, but nobody was richer with the things that truly make us rich: Relationships of many family and friends who knew his gentle and warm spirit. If he truly was the Greeter who welcomed all to Shadyside, why wouldn’t anyone want to come and spend some time around such a welcoming soul. Those who are blessed to know my Uncle Walter are, like me, much richer for having known him. It truly is our loss and his gain…Because of The gift of eternal life, I look forward to seeing my uncle again. I am so proud to be related to him and the wonderful Marta family. May the Lord comfort you all with the precious memories of the past and the ten thousand years to come with our Lord. What a reunion it will be!
The world is a poorer place now that Big Walter has left us. While his death saddens all who knew him, he is now reunited with his beloved wife. My sympathy to you and yours.
No matter their health condition or age, for the four of us, our dad’s were our worlds. We were all Daddy’s girls. Also, all of our dads loved all of us. We were just one of their girls. Each Dad gave us a part of himself that was precious and priceless. We are better people because of their influence, love and the mark they imprinted in our souls. You know how I felt about your dad. I hurt for you, Karen. Your dad seemed to understand what was going on in our lives at each stage of our lives. One of the best things he taught us was that when you got married, in sickness and health, yourDad was a living example for us. He was kind, caring, and loving. Walter Marta was a shining gem that led people to the truth about JESUS by example more that words. I am exceedingly grateful and proud that your dad’s influence on my life was truly a blessing, an honor, and a privilege. No matter what happens Karen, the four of us are forever united: facing all the challenges and rewards in this life and help each other. Karen, I met you at that Nazarene sandbox when we were but babies. So we have know each other all these years and just like I was thankful and proud to have your dad give me examples, so did you. I thank OUR ALMIGHTY FATHER In Heaven that you were both a part of my life all these years. Your dad’s life examples and his voice of reason always giving his love by allow the live of GOD to touch us every time.
Karen, Booze just texted me. I am so so very sorry. You, Booze, Jill, and myself we all Daddy’s girls. It does not matter their age or health condition, there is no greater loss. I love you. When you get a minute, call me with arrangements. I am devastated.