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I attended Emmaus Lutheran Church and School in the '60's and enjoyed Mr. Gresens, as he will always be to me, as my 5th grade teacher! I remember him meeting and marrying his wife and living not too far from my parents, Carl and Loretta Centgraf. I recall him always having a bit of a smirk on his face that was a prelude of a joke to come! He also would get a glint in his eye when he would pull out all stops playing the fabulous organ we had in the church, putting extra pleasure in playing wonderful music for us to enjoy. We were blessed! A story I recall he shared with students was about a time he decided to play a trick on his college roommates who would eat his treats from home. One weekend he brought a cake with fresh coconut on the outside...it had his roommates "running" for a while! He was a wonderful teacher, choir director, organist and man of God! He put on some wonderful musicals featuring many of the school children that hold great memories for me. (Emmaus school had 450 students at the time and is now closed). I share with other the knowledge that we will all be together again someday! May your memories comfort the family and friends! Jeanette Centgraf Butcher, Eden Prairie, MN.
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Jeanette Butcher
August 9th, 2020 at 8:36pm
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I had him as a music teacher at Trinity Lutheran, St. Joseph, MI and have fond memories of him. When he played the organ for church it was evident that he was playing for the glory of God. Many times my family and I would stay after service was dismissed just to hear him play the entire postlude. An amazing, talented man that I am so grateful to have been part of my early education years. Prayers for his family.
Cathy (Wassilak) Leach
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Cathy Leach
June 7th, 2020 at 10:22pm
What special memories come to mind when I think of Walt and your family. Walt was my teacher, choir director, special family friend. One of my most cherished memories will always be that he was willing to travel back to St Joe to play organ for my wedding. Even though it wasn't the beautiful piper organ I had dreamed of, he still "blew the dust out" of an old electric organ as only he could do. All of you will always hold a very dear place in my heart. May you feel the love of family, friends, and Jesus. We look forward to being able to see you in person.
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Sheryl Paloucek
June 6th, 2020 at 10:23am
I mourn with you at the loss of Walter Gresens. I came to know him during my senior year in college. I was a student teacher from Concordia, Nebraska when Walt was my cooperating teacher with 6th Graders and Music classes at St. John, Rochester in the winter of 1982-1983. He allowed me to take a leadership role in that classroom and I have fond memories of his guidance. But, what I remember most was his sense of humor and the way he could neutralize a faculty meeting that may have gotten a little testy. I have used some of the same methods in the 35 years of my ministry. I will always remember the impeccable musical gifts that he shared each Sunday and the opportunity I had to play trumpet on hymns and postludes with him during worship that allowed the congregation to worship our Savior with joy!
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Kurt Schmidt
June 3rd, 2020 at 5:25pm
My deepest sympathy at your loss, dear friends. I have some tremendous memories of our projects and activities at St. John, Rochester. I could always count on Walt to brighten my day when I arrived at St. John. God's richest blessings as we entrust Walt to the heavenly home where he continues singing praise to the living Savior.
Dean Kratz
Lutheran High North
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Dean Kratz
June 3rd, 2020 at 4:16pm
My dad Ron and Walt were cousins and both attended Concordia Chicago and were there together for two years. Dad said one time all of the organ benches were missing (14 in all). They couldn’t find them and when the opened the curtain for the morning chapel service that were stacked up like a pyramid. Dad said it was one of Walt’s practical jokes. I’m glad they are now together in heaven singing praises to God!
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Phil Gresens
June 2nd, 2020 at 4:46pm
Praising God for the musical gift Walter always was to my worship experience! What JOY he must be feeling to be a part of the heavenly chorus! God’s peace to you Karen and the rest of your family as your mourn his passing and await your reunion! ?❤️✝️
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Sheila Neuenfeldt
June 2nd, 2020 at 4:15pm
We're so sorry to hear of Walt's passing. We always loved to hear him play while he was at Faith Lutheran Church. He was always so personable and we enjoyed getting to know him and Karen when we worked on finishing their basement. He was a fine man that will truly be missed! The Bill White family
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Bill White
June 2nd, 2020 at 12:24pm
Mr. Gresens was my teacher and choir director when I attended Trinity Lutheran School over 40 years ago. He is someone I have never forgotten will always remember fondly. I can still visualize him playing that organ with gusto and flair. I am sorry for your loss and share in your delight that he is home with our Lord and Savior.
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Pam (Loikits) Stebbins
June 2nd, 2020 at 9:48am
My cousin, Walter(Dickie) was a favorite. Mainly because of his terrible jokes. But it was because of the Gresens' genes. His father and mine also told terrible jokes. And they were so good. He had such dedication to his Church, His Savior and his profession as a teacher and musician.
I will always remember fondly the gatherings at his boyhood home on Avers Avenue in Chicago where the family gathered in the basement (the place where the jokes began)
His musical talent at the piano and organ were masterful.
Blessings to the members of the family.
Carolyn Gresens Becker
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Carolyn Becker
June 1st, 2020 at 7:11pm