Walter J. Papierniak's Obituary
Walter Joseph Papierniak Resident of Pleasanton, Ca.
May 7, 1922 – November 9, 2013
He was born in Thorp Wisconsin, the second of seven children. After graduating, he
joined the Navy and was transferred to California for flight training at the Alameda Naval
Air station where he met his wife, Lorraine. As a Navy airman in WWII he flew in over 60
missions over the Pacific and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism and
three Gold Stars .
Married 70 years, they raised three sons, Duane, Kenneth and Randal and a daughter
Adriene all still living in the bay area. He said his greatest achievement was his family.
He was a good listener and always wanted to hear our stories about school, work and
what we were doing. His hobbies were golf and racing thoroughbred horses.
All three sisters, Jo Ann, Carol and Kathy still live in or near Wisconsin. He also leaves
five grandchildren: Megan, Matt, Gregory, Eric, and Christian, as well as the most recent
additions; Holly and Jason, his great grandchildren and Jack due in December.
Friends and family are invited to a prayer service at Chapel of the Chimes in OAKLAND,
510-654-0123 on Sunday Nov 17th from 4-5 pm and on Monday at 10am, a Catholic
mass at St. Leoʼs Catholic church, 176 Ridgeway Ave., Oak. 94611 followed by an
11:30 am burial at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland; 5000 Piedmont Ave. Please
donate to the Wounded Warriors 877-832-6997 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Please car pool. Limited parking at St Leos.
What’s your fondest memory of Walter?
What’s a lesson you learned from Walter?
Share a story where Walter's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Walter you’ll never forget.
How did Walter make you smile?