Walter Allen Baade's Obituary
Walter Allen Baade
1940 –2026
Walter “Wally” Baade, age 85, of Lakewood, Washington, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. He was a devoted father, proud grandfather, and a man whose humor and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Walter was born in July 1940 to Cecil Baade and Claudia Adele Roberts in Kellogg, Idaho. After graduating from Kellogg High School in 1958, he joined the United States Air Force, beginning a 22-year military career as an Aircraft Mechanic and later a Loadmaster. Walter was stationed across the United States and abroad, including a posting to Spain, where he met and married the love of his life, Mindy Baade. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage filled with love and adventure. His military career included assignments in Massachusetts, where their eldest daughter Pamela was born, and later in Kansas, where their youngest daughter Susan was born. Walter proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. In 1970, the family moved to Lakewood, Washington.
After his military service, Wally remained active in the Professional Loadmaster Association, serving as Secretary for the organization. He continued a life centered on helping others. He managed a local U-Haul store, worked in marine and RV sales, and later ran his own handyman business. He took pride in fixing things and was always ready to lend a hand to family, friends, and neighbors.
Wally’s passions included traveling with his wife, long walks, dinners with friends, football, music, movies, and most of all, time with his family.
He is survived by his daughters, Pamela Baade and Susan O’Leary (David O’Leary); and grandsons Kyle O’Leary and Carson O’Leary (Kayla Chapman). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mindy Baade; his parents; and his sisters, Mary Ann and Cecile. He was loved by family in Idaho, Florida, and Spain, and will be deeply missed.
Wally, as he was affectionately known, will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for his family.
His daughters wish to express heartfelt thanks to the nurses and caregivers at Franke Tobey Jones and St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood for their compassionate care of their father. He will be deeply missed, and his love will remain with his family always.
A Celebration of Life and reception will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Mountain View Funeral Home Celebration of Life Center in Lakewood, Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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