Bruce "Wally" Waldschmidt

Bruce "Wally" Waldschmidt, 68, of Washington, IL, passed away at 5:38 pm, Sunday, September 11, 2022, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. He was born on June 11, 1954, in Peoria, the son of Roger and Marilyn June Romans Waldschmidt.

Surviving is one daughter, Crystal (Chris) Bailey of Pekin, IL two grandchildren, Aubrey and Bryce Bailey. Also surviving are one sister, Lisa (Dean) Frye of Peoria: three nephews, Chad Doty, Ryan Doty & Rickie J. Doty, and one niece, Carissa Nave.

Wally lived in Metamora, IL, before retiring in 2009 after working as a proud UAW member at Caterpillar for 36 years. He spent his retirement years in Florida & Texas before returning to central Illinois in 2020. He was an outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting and was content with the simple things of life. When home, you would find him in his garage, enjoying time with friends and neighbors. Wally was easygoing and inherited his dad's unforgettable laughter. A friend aptly described him as more of a "doer" than a talker, a good time person in a complicated world."

Wally loved his family and his dogs. His greatest accomplishment was raising his daughter as a single dad. Crystal said it best: "He raised a broken kid and made her whole. He gave me a good home and a safe place; he instilled great values and a hard work ethic". It was how he lived his life.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Metamora, with a Celebration of Life to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or send a condolence to his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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