Francis J. Walder, active in church, community
If you were ever in need, one of the first people you would reach out to would be Francis “Frank” Walder of Milton. With his dedication to St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, the Lord knew exactly who to reach out to for help. On Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, Frank received his final request and has taken on a new role: answering calls from heaven.
To know Frank is to know the gift of laughter. His humor, wit and timing will remain unmatched. His love of the Lord, his family, karaoke, Amazon, and items that are As Seen On TV, will forever be engrained in the hearts and minds of his loving wife and children.
Frank Walder was born Nov. 9, 1934, and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from LaSalle College. After serving almost six years in the Army and Air Force as a cryptographer, he married his bride, Eileen J. Walder, and enjoyed 64 years of wedded bliss. Frank’s career in a managerial role in many companies took him from Philadelphia to Canada to Delaware, and many other states in between. Frank and Eileen created an amazing family along the way, consisting of four very lucky children who were blessed with his guidance and their love for so many years.
Frank was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a proud veteran. He was very active with St. Vincent de Paul, and served many years as their president with his sidekick Eileen as his vice president. Coordinating food pantries, Thanksgiving and Christmas drives, fundraising through car and craft shows, as well as spending many months researching grant opportunities to provide even more aid to the needy was truly a passion and an honor for him.
Frank made a difference in the lives of many, and his presence here on earth will truly be missed. We know Frank was greeted in heaven by his dad and mom, Luke and Elizabeth Walder; as well as his sister Bernadette Walder. He leaves behind his wife, Eileen; his four children and their spouses: Joe Walder (Jodi), Theresa Donnelly (Brian), Dan Walder (Nancy) and Trish Barnyak (Mark); his seven grandchildren: Matthew, Kate, Charlotte, Thomas, Cole, Reagan and Pearce; and his sister Elizabeth Rehmann, to continue his life’s work of charity, loving the Lord, and making people smile.
In true Frank style, he would ask that we remember him through laughter.
Please join us in our celebration Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 4, at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, where friends are invited to visit beginning at 10 a.m. A burial will be held privately for the family at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, Frank would appreciate memorial donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus.
Visit Frank’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
While his presence here on earth will be greatly missed, we urge you to continue to reach out when you are in need. Frank will always answer the call.
