Florida
Walter Robert Abendroth, 86, beloved father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend, departed this life on April 21, 2017 at his home in Merritt Island, Florida.
Walt was born May 9, 1930, in Mason City, Iowa, to Carl and Emma (Graf) Abendroth and raised by Alfred and Arvilla Benbow in Fort Madison, Iowa. After attending Ft. Madison High School, he served in the United States Army for five years, stationed in the Far East. On a return visit to Fort Madison, he met Mary Breeding who became his best friend and love of his life. They were married on Christmas Day 1953 and began their life together pursuing his education and raising six children. He went on to graduate from the University of Iowa and later earned a doctorate in Counseling and psychological services at Indiana State University. Together Mary and Walt had many adventures living in Okinawa, Germany, Iowa, Minnesota and Ohio before finally settling in Vincennes, Indiana.
Walt dedicated his life to education, starting as a teacher and moving into counseling. He was passionate about his golf game, reading, history and the love of family and friends. He retired in 1994 from Vincennes University as director of the Student Counseling Center. Mary preceded him in death in 2001. He was also preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, Carol and David Phillippe; his parents; one brother; and three sisters. His later years began a new adventure when he married Beverly Humphress in 2009.
Walt is survived by his wife, Beverly Humphress; children, Julia (Greg) Recker, Kathryn Abendroth Joice, Kirk (Leah), Eric and Michael (Tammy) Abendroth; step-son, Danny (Enrique de la Torre) Humphress; grandchildren, Darcie Bahr, David Phillippe, Dana Weatherholt, Derek Ponton, Mollie Joice, Valerie, Mark Walter, Devin, Jason and Curtis Abendroth, Joe, Leigh and Jeffre Recker, Anthony Gale, Andy and Adam Gibson and Joshua Abendroth; great-grandchildren, Sarah, Mary, Zoey and Charlotte Bahr, Claire Phillippe, Oz and Lola Weatherholt, and Lucy and Harrison Ponton. He is also survived by special niece and nephew, Juhree and Drake Zimmerman.
A celebration of Walt’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 28 at Goodwin Funeral Home in Vincennes, Indiana. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 27 at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent to Walt’s family and friends at www.goodwinfamilyfh.com.
