Walter H. Birch, age 92, of Grand Rapids, MN died Friday, April 26, 2024, at Majestic Pines Assisted Living, Grand Rapids, MN, surrounded by family.

Walter was born on December 31, 1931, to Fred and Dovvie Birch in Grand Rapids, MN.  He attended Grand Rapids schools, played football and was on 1949 championship football team as well as the first Grand Rapids High School hockey team, coached by Cliff Kauppi.  After high school, he enlisted into the U.S. Air Force and served for four years. While in the Air Force, Walter spent two years in Japan working as an airplane mechanic during the Korean Conflict.  He then was stationed in California, where he met the love of his life, Rae.

After Walter and Rae married, they returned to Grand Rapids and resided in their home on River Road for over 40 years, raising their children, enjoying trips to California on their Honda Gold Wing and times with friends and family.  After retiring, he and Rae moved to family property just west of Dora Lake and made new friends and new memories.  He was employed at Swanson's Chevrolet, U.S. Steel, and then opened his own mechanic business, Walt's Transmission.

Walter loved being in his garage and tinkering. He loved helping people anyway he could, even helping his neighbor rebuild their house after a fire destroyed it at the young age of 71. Walter's generous spirit will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Rae; daughter, Sandie; siblings, Golda, Fred, Noble, Floretta (Fluff), Ellen, Gene, Ray, and Art. Walter is survived by his children, Carron Birch, Carol (Bruce) Morness, and Walter (Sandy) Birch; many grandchildren, many great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Rowe Funeral Home beginning at 12:00 PM and lasting until the 1:00 PM memorial service. The burial with Military Honors will be at Itasca Calvery Cemetery following the memorial service.  Lay Pastor Mary Shideler will officiate. Please join the family back at Rowe Funeral Home for a light lunch after the burial.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Majestic Pines for your loving care of our dad.  He came to think of you as family and you were very special to him.