Leo Walter 81, of Ray, ND passed away on Friday, October 16, 2020 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Leo Walter was born in Rugby, ND in 1938 to Wendelin and Margaret (Streifel) Walter. He grew up in Stanley, ND. After high school, he joined the Air Force and spent some time in Okinawa, Japan. He returned to the states, and after marrying Viola Bachmeier, they moved to AZ where he was stationed at Luke AFB. After an honorable discharge, Leo obtained his Master's degree and was eventually hired as an elementary principal and teacher at the Ray Public School. They settled in Ray, where Leo spent the remainder of his life. During summers, he stayed busy with air conditioning repair and fixing pretty much anything and everything. Leo eventually opened a computer business on the side. These endeavors kept him busy after he retired from the school in 1998. He also helped his wife run the Snow White Drive Inn for over 20 years.

Leo was known for being loving, smart, devout, and patient. His sense of humor and infectious laugh will never be forgotten. Above all else, he loved and was so proud of his family. The growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him so much joy. As his family grew his heart grew right along with it. He loved documenting his family’s memories. Whether it be with pictures put on the back of birthday cards or home videos given out to his family.

Leo was a very active member in his community and also enjoyed camping and fishing. The annual Walter Family campout was one of the highlights of his summer. It’s impossible to put into words what he meant to his family. Leo and his wife created a beautiful love story and he was the kind of father that his children deeply admired and loved. He ingrained in his family to laugh often and love always. So much more than just a role model, he was a positive influence on everyone he met. Even in his death, he did what he always did for his family. He brought them all together and reminded them of how strong and loved they are.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary, along with some nieces and nephews. Leo is survived by his wife, his children, Sue (Jim) Becker, Tammy (Donny) Larson, Mandy Walter, Leo (Joyce) Walter, Lee (Mindy) Walter, Les (Shelly) Walter, and Mickee (Jake) Adams, 21 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, brothers David (Pat) Walter, Tony Walter, Al (Judy) Walter and Jim (Doris) Walter, and sisters Bernadine Logsdon and Joann (Mike) Mallory, and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.