Walter Leroy Fust

Walter LeRoy Fust, age 90, of Brainerd, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Essentia-St Joseph’s Medical Center. Walt was born on December 19, 1933, in Hendricks, Minnesota to William and Anna (Suurmeyer) Fust. After graduating from high school in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, he served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. When he returned home, he enrolled at Mankato State College, where he met Joyce Reinert. They married on December 28, 1957.

After graduation, Walt taught social studies, business education, and industrial arts at several schools in Minnesota and Iowa. He was also a driver’s education instructor and wrestling coach. Walt earned a master’s degree in education, and was later a principal in the Dassel-Cokato and Renville school systems.

In 1975, Walt and his family moved to Brainerd, where for many years Walt and Joyce owned the Eastgate Mobile Home Park. Walt also worked at Minnesota Food Service Equipment, and at Cragun’s Resort. He was a frequent substitute teacher in the Brainerd and Crosby-Ironton school systems. After his retirement, Walt was a classroom volunteer for several years at Forestview Middle School.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joyce; son, Matt (partner, Steve Leech); grandchildren, Freda Hawver Pachter and Jacob (wife Leah) Hawver Pachter; and an extended family in Minnesota and California.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Eleanor and Betty; and his brother, Ray.

A memorial service for Walt will be held at 1PM on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Woodland Good Samaritan Chapel, 100 Buffalo Hills Lane in Brainerd. His friends and family are welcomed to attend, and a reception will follow. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of sending flowers, please contact the family if you would like to make a donation in Walt’s memory.