Obituaries

Warren R. Dewalt, 88, of Crystal Lake; Conservationist, Botanist, Prairie Expert

A memorial service and interment with military honors will be held at noon, Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, at the Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St, Union Grove, Wisconsin.

 

Warren R. Dewalt, 88, of Crystal Lake, passed away on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012 in Barrington.

Born on January 9, 1924, in Pittsburgh, Penn., he was the son of the late Peter and Charlotte (Vogel) Dewalt. He was united in marriage to Jean L. Crissman and they enjoyed 63 years of married life.

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Warren served in the U.S. Army, Americal Division, Pacific Theater, during WWII and was the recipient of the Bronze Star. He received his B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and worked for United States Steel Corp., Midwest Sales.

After many family visits from northern Illinois to Door County beginning in 1966, Warren and Jean retired permanently to Sister Bay, Wisconsin in 1994.

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Warren was a renowned conservationist, botanist and native prairie expert.  He spent many years of his life involved in prairie restoration, habitat and land preservation and protection of endangered plant, animal and bird species.

During his life, he held many positions including Chairman, Great Lakes Chapter of the Sierra Club; Executive Director, Illinois Audubon Society; Chairman of the IL Nature Preserves Commission; President of the Newport Wilderness Society, Friends Group for Newport State Park, WI; Board of Directors of the Ridges Sanctuary, Wis.; and Board V.P. of the Door County Environmental Council, Wis.

Warren was an avid reader and enjoyed literature, poetry, and U.S. History.  His library included a very comprehensive collection of natural history books. He donated many volumes to area libraries and conservation organizations.

Warren had a deep connection to nature and wilderness. He spent his life, not only enjoying these areas, but playing major roles in protecting them.  He enjoyed hiking, backpacking, canoeing and camping in wild untouched places. 

Many hours were spent leading hikes, giving programs and sharing his in-depth knowledge of the boreal forest of northern Door County.

Warren will be remembered for his countless volunteer efforts but most of all for his undying devotion to his wife, Jean, his children and grandchildren.  He was a gentle and loving patriarch.  He lived his life as John F. Kennedy stated, “One person can make a difference and everyone should try.”

Warren is survived by his wife Jean; his children, Mark (Gail) Dewalt and Sue (Charles) Scheckel; and his grandchildren, Jessica Dewalt, Kara Dewalt, Eric Scheckel, and Kelsey Scheckel.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerome Dewalt and Milton Dewalt and grandson Scott Warren Scheckel.

A memorial service and interment with military honors will be held at noon, Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St, Union Grove, Wisconsin.

Memorial contributions in Warren’s name may be sent to the Hospice Foundation of Northeastern Illinois, 405 Lake Zurich Rd, Barrington IL 60010.

More information is available at Davenport Family Funeral Home, Crystal Lake.


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