Walter William Thomas Bush Jr. passed away peacefully at home on October 8, 2021, at the age of 79. Son of Walter T. Bush and Honey Bush born on March 12, 1942, he was a life-long member of Saint John Catholic Church. Walter served the church in various roles over the years and was especially fulfilled by providing communion to shut in members of the faith.
Walter, known affectionately by family as Tommy, was a graduate of Oshkosh High School in 1960 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1964. Following this, he attended Marquette Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and after graduation moved back to Oshkosh to begin his private law practice. Walter was proud of his role as the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Oshkosh for over 30 years.
During graduate school, he married the love of his life, Hope Steinhilber, in 1966. Together they raised two daughters, the apples of his eyes, Brenda and Bridget. He followed their careers and growing families as a loving father and grandfather. In his later years Hope was by his side every moment, as they maneuvered through the many medical challenges encountered.
Walter was a consummate storyteller and reveled in holding court, entertaining with tales from childhood and the carnival business. He enjoyed boating with family on every weekend possible and was active with the Oshkosh Boat Club. Sundays were for family time, dining on the water and meeting up with friends. Walter also loved Lake Michigan fishing, forever in search of elusive coho salmon and lake trout. Walter and Hope thoroughly enjoyed exploring and meeting new people, taking island cruises and numerous trips to Mexico. With Hope, he spent his later years traveling in their truck with camper trailer around Wisconsin, as well as to Arizona over winters.
His wit, humor and joy for family will be deeply missed. He will be carried in the hearts of his family throughout their lives as they are inspired by his commitment and values.
Survivors include his loving wife, Hope, and daughters Brenda Bush-Moline (Eric), and Bridget Bush (Sean Sennott). His true joys were his grandchildren: Christopher Bush-Moline, Olivia Bush-Moline, Conner Sennott, and Brianne Sennott. Having recently lost his brother Daniel Bush only weeks ago, Walter is survived by his Sister-in-law Cheryl Bush, and her sons Drew and Dylan Bush.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sandra Grimes (Bush), and brother Daniel Bush. May they rest in peace and grace.
A visitation will be held at Seefeld Funeral Home, 1025 Oregon Street, on Friday, October 15, from 10am to 12pm and services will begin at 12pm. Burial at Lakeview Memorial Park will follow.
Gifts in memory of Walter (Tommy) may be made to the Legal Action of Wisconsin, serving people who desperately need a lawyer but cannot afford one at 230 W. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203 and/or the Oshkosh Area Humane Society, for the animals in need of care and finding loving homes at 1925 Shelter Ct, Oshkosh, WI 54901.