WALLACE KEITH “WALLY” GUENTHER, age 88, beloved husband for 58 years of Loretta (nee Whitney); loving father of Melissa Rink (Jeffrey), Kip (Pam), Todd, and Kirk (Kate); devoted grandfather of Justin and Braeden Rink, and Ben, Adelyn, and Avery Guenther; cherished son of the late Albert and Althea (nee Saunders); dearest brother of Douglas, Gary, Warren, Diane LaFrenz, Lynn Wilks, and Jan Kruezer, and the late Cal, Donald, Joan, and Timothy; dear uncle and great-uncle of many.
Wally was born on April 8, 1934 in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. He attended Collinwood High School, where his name is listed in the Hall of Fame. He attended Ohio University before enjoying a long career. He spent twenty-two years as a reporter for the Cleveland Press, five years as Director of Public Relations for John Carroll University, and retired after twenty-one years with the Plain Dealer as a reporter. He was a veteran of the Armed Forces, having served in the Army. Wally was a lifelong Lutheran. He was a member of the Cleveland Road Runners, and spent much of his free time running, jogging, and race walking. Wally was happiest spending time with his children and grandchildren and being outdoors. Those who remember him recall his sense of humor.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Barden Benner Carter Memorial Foundation at 1073 Woodview Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44121 (CLICK HERE) or Homers Fund c/o Nine Lives Cat Center at 25990 Highland Road, Richmond Heights, Ohio 44143 (CLICK HERE). Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 1 PM at Peace Lutheran Church, 3740 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights. Arrangements entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS.
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john hernandis
We enjoyed a lot of laughs together. Waldo, as I called him, was a great jokester. He talked endlessly about his children. Wally was a good friend.
RIP Waldo
Ken Whitney
My beloved brother in law. Wally will always be remembered for his great athleticism, his friendliness and endless sense of humor. He will be missed by us and all of his so many friends. Rest in Gods peace.
Ken Whitney
My beloved brother in law. Wally will always be remembered for his great athleticism, his friendliness and his great sense of humor. Wally will be greatly missed by his loving family, all of us and his so many friends. Rest in Gods peace Wally.
john hernandis
Condolences to Wally’s family. He was a good friend and colleague. We enjoyed many chuckles together. Wally loved to talk about his children and their successes. He was a good reporter, a good friend and a good man.
RIP Waldo.
John Betchkal
I still have the yellowed Press photo of Wally, Tony Tomsic, and me that announced our recall into the US Army. Wally was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and exceptional journalist. He was simply “a great American”.
I trust the Guenther family members will gain great solace in knowing that Wally made the world around him better everywhere that he went. Because that’s what he did…every day!
Patrick Ryan
Wally was my track/cross country coach my freshman year at John Carroll. He made me better. He had a friendly, encouraging, and humble manner.
Patrick Ryan
Wally was my track/cross country coach my freshman year at John Carroll. He made me better. He was friendly, encouraging, and humble. I was glad to know him.
Betty kohn
Melissa, I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he provided you with many wonderful memories. Hang on to those.
Take care,
Betty Kohn