Walter J. "Wally" Duranczyk

Walter J. “Wally” Duranczyk was born on March 23, 1928 in Chicago, IL to Apolonia and Stanislaw Duranczyk. He passed away peacefully on September 18, 2023 at his Highlands Ranch, Colorado home, where he lived for 30 years, at the age of 95.

He was a devoted member of St. Frances Cabrini Parish and proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

In Wally’s early teens, he knew that he wanted to serve his country. He even went to the lengths of trying to enlist into the Army underage. As soon as he was able to, Wally enlisted into the Navy and was finally able to serve his county and fulfill his calling. When telling stories of his time in the Navy, he always used to say, “You join the Navy to see the world, but all you see is the sea.” Wally was a proud Navy Veteran and enjoyed telling stories about the adventures he and his fellow sailors went on during his time serving his country.

After dutifully serving his time, he married the love of his life Vivian (Cookie) and started their lives together on Chicago’s south side. It was there that they raised their 2 beautiful daughters Sharon and Susan. While in Chicago, Susan graced Wally with 3 grandchildren Heather, John (Joanna), and Kendra (Jason). Sharon had moved to Denver and began a family with her husband Chris. Once again Wally was honored to be called grandpa by his 4^th grandchild, Angela (Alec). Not so long after, Wally was able to retire from his job at General Electric, where he worked for 40 + years. He and Cookie sold their house in Chicago and moved to Colorado not long thereafter where they built their forever home in Highlands Ranch.

Wally was not only a grandpa to 4 beautiful grandchildren but was further blessed with 4 great-grandchildren, Madeline and Ryan, and Walter and Archer John with whom he also had very close relationships with. Madeline was lucky to say she had a great-grandfather for 16 years and loved sharing her artwork with him. Ryan, 12, was inspired by his great-grandfather and aspires to also serve in the United States Military. Walter, Wally’s 3^rd great-grandchild, was not only named after him but also had the same birthday and was lucky to have been able to spend 4 of them with him. Archer, while only 2 years of age, was also lucky to meet his great-grandfather and share memorable times with.

Wally had many hobbies. He was a talented artist and enjoyed woodworking, he loved bowling and horseshoes, and he also took much pride in his lawn at both his home in Chicago and in Highlands Ranch, where he would make sure every weekend the grass was perfectly cut. His perfectionism was passed down through his children and to his grandchildren, critiquing their coloring book skills by looking over their shoulders saying, “Stay within the lines…the lines are our friends.” Although it would get frustrating for a 5-year-old with sub-par coloring skills, it was impactful on their futures and work ethic, attributing career choices and successes to the lessons learned from him.

Wally also had a passion for sports, primarily football, and would watch avidly with an ice-cold Budweiser in hand. He looked forward to Thursday, Sunday, and Monday, and would even watch reruns of games regardless of how old or new.

No matter how long he knew someone, whether it was 2 minutes or 20 years, Wally always knew just what to say. He was a social man with many interests, making it easy to strike up a conversation and become quick friends with whoever he crossed paths with. His sense of humor always worked its way in, knowing just the right thing to say and when. Everyone, both family and friends, have memories with Wally and every single one of those stories involve a time of how he made them laugh.

Wally was a devoted husband of nearly 70 years to Cookie, who passed away on April 26, 2021, and the best dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend that anyone could ask for. He will be greatly missed, but the countless memories everyone has of him will live on forever. It brings the family peace knowing that he is with his Cookie again. May they rest in eternal peace together.  

Please share memories and condolences with Wally's family by signing the guest book.

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