Minneapolis, Minnesota - Wally was the fourth child in the boisterous Preissing family of eight growing up in Arlington Heights, IL, in a too-small house made large with laughter, racket and love. As a kid, he juggled and rode the unicycle because that's who he was. He loved art, lots of art, and drawing - early works included logos for his fellow athletes at Arlington High. He and his siblings worked, because kids just did; delivering the local paper, working at the Racetrack, the Village Pump; and odd gigs here and there.

Wally studied industrial graphics and design at Harper Community College and Northern Illinois University, kickstarting a lifetime career spanning three states and a few continents. He worked to the end and had as recently as September designed tee shirts for the Boys fishing/golf trips and family gatherings. His work led him to his 5'2" 'larger than wife' of twenty-eight years, Theresa Angelo - 'Treece' to him, and mom of his stepkids, Jackson and Eva who lovingly knew him as 'Walty.' He was everything to his family, both immediate and extended, and to him, family was it - all of it. People were his favorite thing.

'Uncle Wally' to innumerable nieces and nephews who adored him for his ready wit, passion for life and his sharp interest in their lives. Wally kept both new friends and lifelong pals laughing, sparring and talking. He was that neighbor everyone called and he'd show up to lend a whatnot or volunteer his time, often stepping-up more than he was comfortably able and always taking on the managerial role. He understood that the kitchen was home and he truly knew his way around a lasagne, he'd ply you with his homemade cookies, and thought nothing of flipping pancakes for forty.

A lifelong Democrat, Walt used his resources to further democratic ideals. He also supported various non-profits; top on his list was Donate Life America and LifeSource Minnesota. He could hit a golf ball, but could also make losing a round fun. A Minnesota resident for most of his life, but such a fierce and true Bears fan, that the kids were gifted Bears apparel annually with endless quips!

Work and his relationships in it were vital to him. Wally mentored many young colleagues over the years, and took the guidance of less senior teammates gladly. He maintained a lifelong connection with old friends and new.

Every breath Walter took over his last nearly thirteen years was the gift of the Keven Theurer family, whose loss gave Wally new lungs and more years with his own loved ones. We are forever grateful to them. We are thankful, as well, to the dedicated team at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center. Every day of life he was gifted, Wally was beyond grateful.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa Angelo; children, Jackson (Ariana "Ana") Albrecht and Eva (Max) Albrecht-Feld; siblings, Martha (Michael) Weber, Mark (Cathy) Preissing; John (Peggy) Preissing; Paul (Mary) Preissing; Joseph Preissing (Stephanie Klein), and Mary (Brett) Burkhardt; brother-in-law, David Weber; and his beloved cat, WalteRoger.

Preceded in death by his parents, Walter & Clare; and sister, Catherine Weber.

Memorials preferred to DonateLife.net.