Castleton, VT - On this recent March 28th morning, when the world was still and the sun was about to rise, Walter continued his spiritual journey, leaving his earthly home for his heavenly place with God and his loved ones who have gone before him. At 98 years old, he was with us so long, it's hard to imagine life without him. A man of extraordinary positivity and faith, he enjoyed nature, art, music, children, animals, laughter, and the famous Vermont "creemees."

He leaves a family he loved and cherished beyond measure including: his adored wife Trudy (daughter of Eugene and Marie Epple and sister to Karl) with whom he was deeply in love and to whom he was married for nearly 77 years, son Mark (and wife Louise Demko Lauf) of Rutland Vermont, daughter Janice (husband Roger Hildwein) of Fall City, Washington, and daughter Lisa (husband David Rooper) of Vancouver Island, Canada. He inspired, loved and nurtured his grandchildren: Andrew Lauf, Megan Collins, and Jessica Wellerstein Felts, along with his bonus grandchildren Emelia and Jackson Rooper. He also enjoyed and loved his three great grandsons Ben, Luke and Sam so very much while fully embracing an extended family: Alain Wellerstein, Raph Wellerstein, Morgen McCance and Christian Hildwein. As friends become family, he also leaves whom we consider sister and brother, Sandy Fink and Mike Horner.

The son of Hedwig and John Lauf, Walter was born in Danbury, CT on December 9, 1925, becoming the fourth of an unforgettable quartet of mischievous, handsome, and creative brothers. Together, Bill, Bob, Jack (also now in heaven) and Walter would perform endless pranks on 14 Davis Street. (So funny and entertaining are these accounts, they are captured in the book "14 Davis" written by brothers Jack and Walt.) Their amazing blend of baritone, bass, lead and tenor were magically shared as their barbershop shop talent entertained so many throughout their lives.

At the tender age of 19, Walter was drafted to serve in World War II, along with his brothers. He served in France and Germany with the 253rd Infantry Regiment and received a Bronze Star for his service during the Battle of the Bulge. His artistic talent started at an early age and became a valued skill as he went on ahead of his platoon, climbing to the top of buildings to draw maps of the towns they would soon be entering. To their mother's relief, all boys returned home and started the larger-than-life Lauf family.

Upon his return from the War, Trudy and Walt were married. Funded by the GI bill, he proudly attended Parsons School of Design in New York City and graduated at the top of his class. He began his graphic design career learning from accomplished cartoonist Richard Taylor and worked as a freelancer designing illustrations for Women's Day and other prominent publications. He went on to start his own advertising agency, Walter Lauf Associates, located in Bethel CT, which he ran until his retirement. For staff and clients, it would become the place of lasting friendships and relationships. His accounts took him as far as St. Vincent and the Grenadines and into hospital operating rooms to study the surgical devices he would be promoting.

Walt's faith and growth in the Lutheran church family provided him with lifelong friendships filled with humor, camping adventures and shared joys and challenges. He and Trudy loved to sing in choirs and found music to be an essential part of their worship in various congregations to which they belonged in Connecticut and Vermont, the most recent being Castleton Federated Church.

Equal to his love of art was his love of nature. We like to think that these two were an inseparable creative force that found its way into the amazing acrylics, oils, watercolors, sketches, multi-dimensional creations, sculptures and carvings he produced until his very last days. Many homes are graced with his exquisite creations, and many have had the opportunity to marvel at his very unique, contemporary interpretations of nature, always nature and rural life, at various art shows.

Walt's longevity is no doubt greatly attributed to his love of daily exercise, walking, hiking, skiing, tennis, fishing, canoeing and many other outdoor activities. He also loved his home and nurtured the landscape which he stewarded with wildlife in mind.

Walt's service includes: Birch Hill Ski Patrol, Hiking Leader, Art Instructor, and Sunday School Teacher. His more formal assignments were: Board Chair of the Danbury Historical Society, Board Member of the Vermont Nature Conservancy, Board Member and Vice President of the Castleton Community Center (whose present logo he designed), to name a few.

We can honestly say that Walter profoundly touched those he met with his engaging enthusiasm he brought to every social event and personal visit. As Trudy said just days ago, Walt never looked back, he was always looking forward and giving every day his very best. We will carry him in our hearts always as his memory continues to live amidst the Green Mountains of his adored Vermont home.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the kind and compassionate care from the Bayada Hospice team which supported Walt throughout the last days of his life. Donations can be made in Walt's name to Vermont Nature Conservancy or Castleton Community Center.

After two months of being apart, it is fitting that Trudy would not stay behind but instead, follow Walt for their next adventure in a new life. To remember and celebrate them, there will be a Memorial Service on August 31, 2024 at the Federated Church of Castleton at 11am. Coffee and calling hour will be held from 10am -11am.