Walter K. Wood “Wally”

January 1, 1949 to July 19, 2026

Walter K. Wood affectionately known to his friends as “Wally” passed away July 19, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on New Years Day 1949, Wally lived a life defined by hard work, grit and an unwavering commitment to his business and the family he loved.

Raised in St. Francis and Cudahy, Wally was a graduate of the school of hard knocks. From a young age, he worked for everything he had, started out by working for his parents at their family gas stations and developing a lifelong passion for buying and selling cars.

In 1968, he founded R&W Roofing, a business that became his life’s work. Wally was incredibly meticulous, known throughout the community for the pristine condition of his equipment and his signature fleet of black trucks.

A man of quiet sacrifice, he willingly gave up much to help others, providing things that many take for granted. He was a strong-willed man with a powerful personality—and because he was rarely, if ever, wrong, he proudly earned the nickname “No-Fault Walt”.

Despite looking like a rugged biker, Wally was a man of simple, surprising habits: He chose milk over alcohol, never smoked, and briefly rode a motorcycle for only a few years. His only vice was enjoying a hot fudge sundae before a meal. He had a signature style, almost always found in a classic white T-shirt, jeans, and work boots—swapping them for his cowboy boots only when he went out to spend time with family.

He wasn’t one for extravagance; his work was his true hobby he didn’t take his first real vacation until his mid 40’s, and otherwise limited his time off to an annual fishing attempt or a quick trip up to the Dells. Yet, though he could manage an entire business, he famously could never fix a carburetor.

Above all, Wally’s life revolved around his Family. He was the beloved husband of Elaine (nee Zbichorski), loving Father of Cheri, and her husband David (Handel). He was an immensely proud Grandfather to his grandson, Brayden, and his granddaughter, Brittany, who was truly the apple of his eye. He is further survived by his sister, Janie Wesner, as well as his many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter O. Wood of Wally’s Whitnall Service, and his mother, Phyllis Jane Wood. Wally’s legacy of determination, simple pleasures, and fierce devotion to those he cared for will never be forgotten.

A Memorial Service honoring Eddie's life will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at noon. at Preferred Care Funeral & Cremation, 3801 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207.