Steven Paul “Steve” Walle, 73, passed away peacefully at the Reno County Hospice House surrounded by his family on January 1, 2021. He was born June 7, 1947 in Salina, Kansas to Herbert and Fernne Walle of Culver, Kansas.
Growing up on the family farm, Steve embraced and honed a skill and love of the land that gave him a lifetime platform for his equally strong work ethic and commitment to “doing it right the first time, every time.” After graduating from diesel mechanic school, Steve entered the U.S. Navy in 1966, proudly serving until 1970, including two Vietnam tours as an Engineman/Fireman, commandeering an LCU as a “brown water” sailer. Upon his honorable discharge, Steve was able to re-engage his love of the land with a career that blended decades of heavy equipment excavation and farming. Leaving his mark of expertise on numerous commercial and residential developments throughout the Midwest. In 1980 he found the love of his life, in Loveland, Colorado Leila Jean Schneider. They returned to Kansas and married on May 24th, 1986. In 1989 they had the opportunity to take over the family farm operation upon his parents retirement. As the third Walle generation, Steve once again applied his considerable skills as a farmer and excavator which brought him great joy. He served on the Hedville Grain Board of Directors, was Sexton for the Walnut Grove Cemetery and a faithful member of Christ The King Lutheran Church.
And now, the rest of the story. Perhaps more renowned was Steve’s legendary sense of humor, motivational teachings and love affair with chocolate. Every family member and friend could give multiple examples of how Steve demonstrated these characteristics every day of his life. No matter how sad, disappointed, worried or down, he took it upon himself as a personal challenge to lift you up, notably with “Walle-isms”. And he was a master at it. Of all his accomplishments, this was his legacy. His legacy to the farm is a beautiful oak tree he planted on his 50th birthday. Well done faithful servant.
Steve is survived by his wife Leila, daughters Rhonda Schur, Amber Jeske (Lance), twins Stacie and Stephanie Walle, son Seth Walle, sister Sandra Cristina (Lyle), brother Sheldon Walle (Danette), grandchildren Quenton, Tiffany, Justice, Chance, Jaycee, Katelyn, Ashlyn, Alec, Blake, Jayden(Donk), 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sharon (Walle) Johnson.
Services will be held Saturday, January 9, 2021, 2 p.m. at Christ The King Lutheran Church, 111 West Magnolia, Salina. Masks are required for attendance and there will be limited seating due to social distancing. Veteran Honor Guard inurnment will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice House of Reno County, 2020 North Waldron St. #100, Hutchinson, KS. 67502 or Christ The King Lutheran Church, Salina, KS.