Walter William Pischel, 79, of Bloomfield, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Ketcham Memorial Center in Oden, Indiana.

Walt was born September 30, 1947 in Oregon City, Oregon, the eldest son of Philip and Cora Pischel. He was raised on a small farm in Redland, Oregon and attended school in Redland, Estacada and Milwaukie, graduating from Milwaukie High School in 1965.

He began working for Warn Industries as a mechanical draftsman while still in high school. In 1967 he joined the Oregon Air National guard and served for six years. He continued working at Warn Industries for 20 years and later worked for Jeff Terrill Machinery and KH2A Engineering.

In 1969 he met and married his wife, Sylvia. They made their home in Milwaukie where their son Corey was born in 1970 and their daughter Becky in 1973. In 1974 they moved to Canby, Oregon where they stayed for 36 years, becoming active members of the community and Canby Christian Church. At church he helped with the bus ministry, the junior high and high school youth groups, attending high school football games and traveling to Mexico on mission trips. He also served as a deacon and sang in the choir for a time. They then lived in Oregon City for 9 years before moving to Bloomfield, Indiana in 2019 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Walt enjoyed coaching youth sports, golfing with his friends, and watching and reading westerns. He liked riding dirt bikes, going to car shows, and was an expert marksman. He was a kind, strong, and faithful man who gave the biggest hugs, and was always willing to help anyone in need. Walt was loved by many, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Surviving family include his wife of 56 years, Sylvia; son Corey (Sondra); daughter Becky (Michael); granddaughters Malia and Kendall; and nieces and nephews.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, and his younger brother Philip. He will be laid to rest at Pischelville National Cemetery in Verdigre, Nebraska.

Remembrances can be made to either Canby Christian Church in Oregon or to Bloomfield First Baptist Church in Indiana.