Walter Dejulis

Walter Dejulis, 93, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2013 at his home in Castle Rock. Walter was born in the coal mining town Century, West Virginia on December 4,1920 to Joseph and Anna (Lutaskas) Dejulis. Walter had three older half siblings and a younger sister. Walter lost his father in a coal mining accident when he was 10 years old. Anna having lost her second husband to a coal mining accident, decided to move the family nearer to one of her older daughters in Chicago, Illinois around 1930. Walter began his active service in the United States Army on Dec. 26,1942 and served in the Pacific Theater. He saw action in the Southern Philippines in combat infantry. He was decorated with a Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze Battle Star, Philippines Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Battle Star, 3 Overseas Service Bars, Good Conduct Medal, and a Purple Heart. After the war Walter returned to Chicago to help support his mother. He returned to his position as a welder for Seymour and Peck, a steel container plant, part of Grief Bros, corporation. Except for the years that Walter served in the Army, he had worked there from 1938 until his retirement on October 31,1986. On April 5,1953, Walter met Dorothy at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. That particular date was important as it was Dorothy's birthday. Apparently sweeping her off her feet, the "confirmed bachelor", proposed and married Dorothy Doner on October 17,1953. They had celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. Walter was a most devoted father to their only child, Dianne. He was the dad who was always there and who could always be counted on. Whether teaching her how to tie shoelaces, play catch, ride a bike, or drive a car, he had endless patience. No matter the problem or inconvenience he quietly and gently came to the rescue, and over the years Dianne presented a lot of challenges. Walter thoroughly loved his family. Nothing brought him more pleasure than catching up with his grandchildren. Although they lived at a distance, he was always truly interested in what they were doing and enjoyed hearing of them succeed. Moving to Colorado in 2012 gave Walter the opportunity to enjoy his great-grandchildren. It was a priceless experience for all of us to watch him sit back, grinning at all their antics. After retirement Walter enjoyed golfing with several friends at the neighborhood municipal course, working outside on the landscaping and gardening, and of course cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Bears. He and Dorothy's most memorable vacations include trips to Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska. Walter is survived by his wife Dorothy of the home in Castle Rock, daughter Dianne McClure, (Ken) of Castle Rock, 3 grandchildren Amy DeSimone, (Anthony) of Castle Rock, Scott Riesselman, (Vanessa) of Frederick, and Kyle Riesselman, (Randi) of Los Angeles, CA. and 5 great grandchildren, Ava, Jack, and Beau DeSimone. and Rvan and Mason Riesselman. All of whom will miss him terribly. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. http://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=72&campaignSource=WEBSITE&source=HONOR Service Information