Walter E. Black Jr., age 90, of Delavan, Wisconsin, formerly Chicago and Park Ridge, IL died Monday January 20, 2025, at LindenGrove Assisted Living.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale, Minnesota with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in French Lake Township.

Walter Edward Black, Jr. was born on May 8, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to Walter and Corrine (de Jonge) Black, Sr. He was raised in Chicago and was a 1952 graduate of Taft High School. He served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. Walter worked for decades in the cement business as a foreman for Steigerwaldt Cement Construction Company. Starting in the 1980s, he was employed as a Stationary Engineer at the University of Illinois Chicago working as an HVAC specialist as well as cleaning pools and famously driving the Zamboni at the hockey arena.

Walter was married to Mary K. Ervasti of Minneapolis, MN in 1968. The couple settled in Park Ridge, IL to start a family. Frequent journeys to the family cabin in Minnesota and annual road trips to Acapulco Mexico, where the couple first met, became cherished family memories.

In 1997, he met Ethel Busch, and he soon retired. Together they shared many adventures in Delavan, WI, Spring Hill, FL and traveled extensively. His love of golf led to many new friendships in his later years. A strongly devoted family man and leader of the pack, Walter could always be counted on for unwavering support and sound advice. His sharp sense of humor and outrageous tales from the olden days captivated five-year-olds and adults alike.

Walter is survived by his children, Robert Black of Minneapolis, MN and Sara (Michael) Barron of Pewaukee, WI; grandchildren, Andrew and Julia; longtime partner, Ethel Busch of Delavan WI; brother, Gary Black of Kenosha WI; and dozens of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; sister, Nancy; and all of his childhood friends.