Walter Ronald Fechtner

Walter Ronald Fechtner was born on April 30, 1942, in Chehalis, Washington, to Ronald and Helen (Neylon) Fechtner. He passed away in Seattle surrounded by his loving family on Jan. 30, 2024. 

Walt attended St. Joseph Catholic grade school. He graduated with the great class of 1960 from W.F. West High School. Walt attended Centralia College and received his business degree from Seattle University. 

A life of service was instilled at a young age. Walt was proud to have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and he would go on to mentor two of his grandsons in achieving their own rank of Eagle Scout. Walt was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Henderson. 

On Aug. 27, 1966, Walt and Mary Monahan were married. As a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather, Walt’s family was the center of his life. He was involved in the children’s school and sporting activities. He shared his love of travel with his family, and every summer they went on vacations throughout the United States and Canada. Later, Walt and Mary continued to travel across the country and enjoyed river cruises in Europe and another cruise through the Panama Canal. A special trip was with the school board to Japan. 

Walt’s life of service also extended to God and to his community. As a lifelong member of St. Joseph Church, he served on the church council and was a lector. Walt was also involved in several community service organizations. He was president of Chehalis Rotary, Chehalis School Board and United Way of Lewis County. He served on the board of directors for Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce, Chehalis Industrial Commission and Centralia Providence Foundation. He was also a member of Chehalis Elks. 

Walt spent 33 years of his career in the banking industry, beginning at Pacific Bank of Seattle, which eventually became First Interstate/Wells Fargo Bank. In 1989, Walt was presented with the First Interstate Award, the bank’s highest honor awarded to an employee. After his retirement from the bank, Walt served as the manager of the Centralia Providence Foundation for seven years, and, in 2005, he chaired the capital campaign for the new emergency room at the hospital. 

Walt had a great sense of humor, and he enjoyed being part of a daily coffee group for over 40 years that still includes his brother, Jim, and many friends. He was an avid gardener and golfer, and he kept close tabs on his favorite Seattle sports teams. 

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Ron and Helen Fechtner, and his nephew, Bill Fechtner. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 57 years; his children, Annette, Ron (Cathy), and Pat (Erika); six grandchildren: Marcus, Bradley, Hailey, Nathan, Derek and Danika; his brother, Jim (Sylvia); and his niece, Julie (Ron) Murphy, Jordyn and Kendall, Chelsea, Sydney; and cousins Bob and Doug. 

The funeral for Walt Fechtner will be on Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chehalis. The reception will follow at Jesters Auto Museum. 

In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School, St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Chehalis Foundation.

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