Memorials may be given In lieu of flowers to either Trinity Lutheran Church or Concordia Lutheran Church, addresses provided below. Walter Frederick Griese, Jr., 14-year resident of Temecula, CA passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, early Thursday morning, April 4, 2019 after a 18-month battle with throat cancer. He was 78. Preceding him in death were his infant sister, Phyllis, mother, Meta (née Groth) and father Walter F Griese, Sr. Surviving him is his loving wife of more than twenty years, Verna; Anita and their children: son Mike (Michelle); son Tim (Teri); daughter Chris (Bill); and eight grandchildren: Claire, Matthew, Kate, Jonny, Faith, Tommy, Ashley and TJ; Walt was also loved by many cousins, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and Verna's family for his thoughtful, easy going manner and gentle mentoring — always with a smile and a handshake and/or a hug. 'Walt' was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI; his family faithful and lifelong members of Sherman Park Lutheran church there; he is a graduate of University of Wisconsin with a B.S. in Economics; he was an avid reader, attentive listener, and a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan, and later cheering the St. Louis baseball Cardinals and the Ohio State University football teams. He had a remarkable career with the YMCA spanning 42 years including his college days. In his hometown of Milwaukee he served as Program Director at the NW Branch YMCA in 1963. In 1966 he moved to Wausau, Wisconsin as Associate Executive of the YMCA. In 1971 he became the CEO of the Newton, Iowa YMCA. In 1976 he and his family moved again, this time to St. Louis where he became Executive Director of the South County YMCA Branch. What fond memories of his time there with his wonderful staff as together they made the best better. After leaving the South County Y, he went to work for the YMCA of Greater St. Louis with offices in downtown St. Louis. He served in the positions of Operations VP and MRC Director and District Executive. One of his areas of expertise was in International and World Service. As part of this responsibility, student/staff exchanges with developing South American YMCAs were arranged, as sister cities had been established with the St. Louis YMCA branches. Continuing in his Wisconsin Christian upbringing, he and his family were faithful members of Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, MO (a St. Louis suburb). When his career moved him out of St. Louis, he always came back to worship at Concordia when in town. From 1990-2005 he reported to the YMCA of the USA headquartered in Chicago, IL; working out of the Midwest Field office in downtown Columbus, Ohio. His new job as National Field Consultant had him traveling to the rural cities of NW and SW Ohio where he guided the development of new YMCAs, including but not limited to, the areas of financial development, training and creative leadership for both staff and volunteers. Time spent and accomplishments realized on public policy matters in Ohio were especially rewarding, and the National Advocacy days in Washington DC were fun and enlightening. Oh, the countless meetings, receptions, and leader conferences all over the country to happily solidify the YMCA goals of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. He enjoyed playing racquetball and frequent lunches together with colleagues as they became close friends. To say he loved his job is an understatement - he was a people person always striving to bring out the best in everyone; always warm and welcoming; he was a peacemaker and would go to great lengths to avoid confrontation. In October 1998, after a one year courtship, he married Verna (née Hartman) from St. Louis and they lived in Marysville, OH which was the perfect location away from downtown for him to easily service his YMCA territory. Verna provided secretarial and IT support from their home so trips to the Columbus office were fewer. He was often teased that he and his colleague for the other territories should map out all the sweet shops in Ohio — between the two of them, they knew them all! He was very active in their church, Ascension Lutheran in Columbus, serving for a time as president of church council, and both served as ministry team leaders and Cum Christo community members — wonderful Christian friendships! What fun times were had hosting Super Bowl parties at their home and watching the wildlife and over thirty varieties of birds that visited their eight acres on Wildwood Lane. In 2005, they sold their Ohio home and retired to Southern California, where they had traveled numerous times for business meetings. When they discovered the Temecula valley, they fell in love with the city and location, only being an hour from the ocean a plus. What a delight he felt showing relatives and friends who came for a visit the beauty found living here; visiting unique sites, strolling the beaches, enjoying sunsets, visiting the mountains and of course sampling the food. In retirement, he continued to live out his faith by serving at first Hope Lutheran and later at Trinity Lutheran church — participating in men's bible studies - including pastor's Tuesday, 6:30 am; greeting fellow worshipers, serving as lector, helping Verna with altar guild, serving as Christ Care small group leaders, hosting fundraisers at their home to benefit the needy, and providing / hosting refreshments for Easter sunrise services. Walt loved being outdoors year round. He could be found daily doing some form of gardening, talking with neighbors and petting and fetching a treat for their dogs. He enjoyed exploring the West and trying new food and restaurants with Verna. New Y friendships were formed in the Marston Chapter of AYR (Association of YMCA Retirees). He served as president for a season at the same time Verna became newsletter editor. Fun activities and events were planned and enjoyed by all including nearby blueberry picking, followed by BBQ and Bunko at their Temecula home. He always looked forward to seeing and hearing about the comings and goings of his children, sons: Mike and Tim and daughter Chris—all unique and very special to him. As time and distance permitted, he found great joy in celebrating his eight grandchildren, always excited to hear the latest news, always cheering their latest accomplishments. Two Celebrations of Life will be held: Sunday, April 28 - 3pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 30470 Pauba Rd, Temecula, CA 92592 and Sunday, May 5 - 2pm at Concordia Lutheran Church, 505 S Kirkwood Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122. His cremains will be buried at his family plot in Zur Ruhe Cemetery, Cedarburg, WI on Monday, May 6. Memorials may be given In lieu of flowers to either Trinity Lutheran Church or Concordia Lutheran Church. If you'd like to share a memory, add a favorite picture or add a condolence, go to: www.englandfamilymortuary.com and click on Funerals and Obituaries and search for Walter Griese, or send to his wife, Verna at their Temecula home.