Walter H. Wistrand Jr.
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Walter H. Wistrand Jr. passed away February 7, 2022 in New Smyrna Beach, Fl. He was born at Womens Hospital in Flint, MI to Walter Harold Wistrand and Gail Bruce Wistrand on January 12, 1925.
After graduating high school in 1943, Walter joined the Army with several buddies. World War II was raging and after training in communications in Meridan, Mississippi, he joined the 131st Battalion leaving for the China-Burma-India theater where he was in the glider troops until they were disbanded due to the high mortality rate. He then spent the remainder of his active duty laying phone lines ahead of front-line troops. Walter was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Victory Medal, American Theater ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater ribbon, 3 Bronze Battle Stars, 2 Overseas Service bars, and Overseas Service stripe.
After the service he moved to Bonita Springs, FL and bought a fishing resort where he met and married his wife of 70 years, Hazel. Together they operated the fishing resort and a real estate office until they moved to Traverse City, MI in 1960. Walter and Hazel owned and operated Wistrand State Wide Realty until retirement in 1979. After that, they spent their time in New Smyrna Beach, Fl and summers at their home in East Bay Twp. and at their cottage on Elk Lake.
Walter is survived by his children: Gail (Dennis) Bushong, Janis Wistrand, Marc (Lorraine) Wistrand, Lesli Wistrand, Jill (Don) Hanna, Anna Wistrand, Jim (Rhonda) Mancilla, 16 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.
Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Wistrand, his parents, Walter H. Wistrand Sr. and Gail Bruce Wistrand, and his brother Bruce Wistrand.