WALTER DOCHOW

Walter E. Dochow, of Mora, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at his home.  He was 77 years old.

Walter Eugene was born on September 2, 1947, in Milaca, Minnesota to parents Walter C. and Florence (DeWitt) Dochow.  He grew up in the Ogilvie area, graduating from Ogilvie High school in 1965.  After high school he had several jobs including working as a milk hauler around the Ogilvie/Mora area.  On October 26, 1966, Walter was drafted into the US Army.  On March 31, 1968, he was involved in a car accident that left him paralyzed.  He received a medical discharge on November 29, 1968, and returned home to a long road of recovery.

Walter was proud of his military service and was a part of the Paralyzed Vets of America, Disabled American Veterans, and the local American Legions over the years.  

On October 28, 1972, Walter was united in marriage to Carla Bertilson at the St. Paul Lutheran church in Ogilvie.  They made their home only 1 mile from where Walter grew up and were blessed with one son, Adam.  Walter and Carla enjoyed traveling in their motorhome across the western states, with a favorite trip to Graceland.

Walter never let his disability stop him from living a full life.  He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson trike, snowmobiling, riding 4-wheeler, deer hunting, and cutting firewood each year to heat the house.  He had a passion for all things automotive and enjoyed fixing and racing his 1967 Ford Fairlane at many raceways including Brainard raceway, setting a personal record.  He was especially proud of his classic cars, ’69 Ford Cobra, ’56 Ford Fairlane, and ’31 Model A.  He will be dearly missed.

A special thanks to all of the staff at St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care and compassion, especially “his girls” Jessica and Chelsey.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Carla’s parents, Gladys (Edward) Mansfield, siblings Phyllis (Dick) LaBeau, Keith Westover, and Jerry (Betty) Westover, brothers-in-law Don and Al Mansfield.

He is survived by his wife Carla; son Adam; aunt Mary Saby; brothers and sisters-in-law, Arlan Bertilson, David (Margie) Bertilson, Betsy Seide, Jeff Bertilson, Lori (Dan) Grunke, Lynne Krech, and Carol (Bob) Bertilson; Godchildren, Brooke Benson, Dakota Krech, and Tanner McElmury; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Hamilton Funeral Homes- Akkerman Chapel in Mora.

Memorial Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm on Tuesday, December 3rd and again 1 hour prior to the service all at the Hamilton Funeral Homes – Akkerman Chapel in Mora.

Military Honors will be provided by the Ogilvie and Mora American Legions.

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