Surrounded by his loving family, Walter “Wally” Reisenauer Jr., 67, passed away on December 24th, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Following his diagnosis in December of 2023, Wally was a true inspiration to his family as he confronted every challenge with his trademark witty humor, infectious laugh and positive attitude. Wally’s Celebration of Life Service will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Evangel, Bismarck with Pastor Dylan Werner as officiant.
Wally was born on March 17th, 1957, at St. Joseph’s hospital in Dickinson, ND to Delores “Dassinger” and Walter Reisenauer Sr. The Reisenauer family moved to Bismarck in 1965, where Wally attended and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1976.
Following high school, Wally worked at Kraft and Gomes and Dakota Ready Mix (formerly Dakota Sand and Gravel) until establishing his own business, Reisenauer Concrete. Driven by his perfectionist mindset, Wally quickly established himself as the standard in his trade with a true commitment to professionalism, high quality craftsmanship and customer service. Throughout his career, Wally took great pride in having his son (Jordan) and nephews (Chad and Justin) working by his side.
Wally was a loving, dedicated and supportive son, brother, father and grandfather. As a son, Wally truly cherished the time he spent with his mother and always ensured that they shared a weekly visit, meal or conversation. As a brother, Wally maintained loving and supportive relationships with his sisters and was always there for life’s countless challenges. As a father, Wally selflessly loved his children, always prioritizing their needs, regardless of circumstances or personal sacrifices. From the moment his first child was born, Wally loved and supported his children, guiding them through life with true grace, patience and understanding. As a grandfather, Wally’s big smile and playful humor created such a loving and welcoming environment that he became the “favorite” grandpa.
Wally was a natural at everything he put his mind to, including sports. Always putting his children first, he used his love for sports (softball, volleyball, bowling, golf, pool, ping pong, corn hole) to create new family memories as his children joined him in countless leagues and competitions. His yearly ping-pong tournaments will forever live in his children’s hearts. Regardless of the sport or activity, one thing is certain for those who had the privilege of enjoying some friendly competition with Wally… never have you had so much fun and experienced such humbleness than when you lost to Wally! In addition to sports, Wally enjoyed traveling, camping, bike riding, motorcycles and tinkering in his shop.
Wally also took great pride in the home and yard he built for his family. Filled with large trees, shrubs, flowers and anything that grows, the environment he created by hand is much like the life he created for his family…full of strength, peace and comfort…built on a foundation of love strong enough to endure any storm.
Although his time with us was much too short, Wally’s legacy will live forever in the hearts of his sweetheart, Crystal Stoltz; his children, Shayla Reisenauer (Chris), Brooke (Noah) Lindelow, and Jordan (Joanne) Reisenauer; his grandchildren, Caylor Reisenauer, Mayzie Lindelow, Maysen Lindelow, Hudson Reisenauer, Everest Reisenauer and Wren Reisenauer; his mother, Delores Reisenauer; his sisters, Evie (Tom) Roberson, Sharon (Dan) Clausnitzer, and Roxie (Ron) Hopfauf; nephews, Chad (Becky) Clausnitzer, and Justin (Kayla) Roberson; niece, Mandi (Ryan) Talbacka; and many cousins.
Wally was preceded in death by his son, Travis Reisenauer; father, Walter Reisenauer Sr.; grandparents, John and Susie Dassinger, George and Kathryn Reisenauer; and several aunts and uncles.
