Cletus Joseph Walz Jr.

Friday, Jun. 10, 2016

Cletus Joseph Walz, Jr., 75, died in his home May 31, 2016.  

Cletus (“CJ”) was born July 19, 1940 to Alma and Cletus Sr. The youngest of four kids, CJ graduated from Judge Memorial Catholic High School and then served in the Air National Guard, receiving mechanic and technician training; he was a mechanical genius.

CJ was wily from the get-go, building electric train sets at 10 years old. He hot-wired a steam-roller at age 12 because his brothers said he couldn’t do it. He had stories of talent, wit and stubbornness. 

CJ was a successful landlord and he started his own electronics business when he was 19. He made house calls and loved visiting when the work was done.  

Most thought CJ would never marry, but he met and fell in love with Patricia while playing the organ for the Cathedral of the Madeleine and Pat sang in the choir. This December they would have been married 37 years. They played Scrabble daily, and knew more two-letter words than anyone.

Before meeting Pat, Clete was a beloved foster father for kids in the Catholic Church. He was as proud of them as if they were his own, walking them down the aisle, supporting their choices, and being a grandfather to their children. 

CJ loved cars and prided himself on getting the best gas mileage possible by manipulating filters, oil and gas additives. A car that was advertised to get 27 mpg would get about 40 mpg by the time he fixed it. He was always exactly on time and drove the exact speed limit. 

CJ made the best barbecued chicken with his signature sauce and he made terrible coffee; he stuck to the cowboy way of boiling pre-ground beans that always filled the bottom of the cup and the last few sips ended up in your teeth. He loved being a host.

Cousins, nieces, nephews and neighbors remember CJ visiting in his motor home, taking them camping, fishing, and teaching them how to have a real pillow fight. 

We love you, Papa. 

He is survived by his wife Patricia; kids Heidi, Brian and Stephanie; siblings Bernadette Benvegnu and Leo Walz and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother Michael.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Ambrose Catholic Church.