Walter Toehlke '56
Walter A. Toehlke VIRGINIA BEACH - Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Walter A. Toehlke "crossed the bar for his last cruise" April 22, 2011. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., May 3, 1934. He was the only son of Arthur and Elizabeth from Breman and Ludwigshaven, Germany. After living in Germany in 1938-39 with his grandparents, he returned to the U.S. and learned English at public school "ninedy-tree" ('93). He attended Vocational High School for Maritime Trades aboard the liberty ship SS John W. Brown. In 1952, he enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserve, attended "Boot Camp" at Cape May, N.J., and made two reserve cruises aboard Coast Guard cutters. In 1953, he was accepted as midshipman at the Maine Maritime Academy. After graduation in 1956 as a third mate U.S. Merchant Marine, he was discharged from the Coast Guard and accepted as an Ensign USNR, followed by an appointment to the regular Navy. After 31 years of commissioned service, he retired having served aboard seven ships, five shore stations, and an overseas assignment with the Military Advisory Group, Vietnam. After military retirement, he was employed at Frank W. Cox High School for an enjoyable 10 years where he gained a new respect for those who teach (they are not paid enough). He is survived by his wonderful wife, Beverly (Brown) of Briarcliff, Md., who had the courage to "hook it up" on Halloween 1959, after knowing a Brooklyn guy for only four months. Also surviving are his sons, Arthur and Kurt, daughters-in-law Molly and Joyce, plus three grandchildren Wyatt, Anna Morgan, and Erik. "Auf Wiedersehen Freunden und alte Kameraden." The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 27, at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, 1264 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, from 3 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the U.S. Navy SEAL Foundation at www.navysealfoundation.org., or Navy SEAL Foundation, 1619 D Street Bldg. 5326, Virginia Beach, VA 23459. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown. com.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on April 25, 2011
MMA Alumni Association
Castine, ME 04420
(207) 326-2337
Toll Free in Maine
1-800-464-6565
Toll Free Outside Maine
1-800-227-8465
alumni@mma.edu
Quick Links