Lemuel Walter

  Lemuel Pete Walter, 84, of Madrid, passed away suddenly on December 14, 2023 in Des Moines. Pete was born on March 25, 1939 in Mt. Erie, Illinois to Rada and Robert Walter. After graduating from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Pete taught high school math in Belleville, Illinois. Later in life, he would start multiple companies that focused on asbestos abatement in Illinois and Iowa. After retiring in 2014, Pete spent his time taking care of his yard, reading, watching any sport on TV, and spending time with his family and beloved dog Major. He was a very busy fellow. Pete always said “a change in jobs is as good as a rest!”

  He leaves behind his wife Tracey (Garth) and daughter Ruby, brother Bob (Kate), niece Amy Wardell, sisters-in-law Kelly (Dan) Randolph, Dana (Chris) LaBarge, brothers-in-law Tim and Kevin Garth, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Wardell, sisters Hattie Mae Miller and Mary Sue Aaron, and father-and mother-in-law Junie and Janet Garth.

  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Friends of the Madrid Iowa Library. For years, Pete just called and the amazing staff would pick out books for him to read! It filled his life with so much enjoyment.