Obituary of Walter Simonsmeier Jr.

Walter Simonsmeier, 73, of Kinderhook, NY, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025 at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, NY. Born on June 4, 1951 in Blue Earth City, Minnesota, he was the son of the late Walter and Alice (Zielske) Simonsmeier and the husband of his beloved late wife, Deborah Simonsmeier. Walt was a 1969 graduate of Ledyard High School in Ledyard, Iowa. Following graduation, he joined the Air Force for three years then switched to the Coast Guard in 1972. For 20 years he served faithfully, traveling all over the United States, spending time in Hawaii, South Carolina and Ohio. He finally retired in Albany, NY as a Recruiter. Walt wore many hats after retiring from the military including Building Inspector, Animal Control Officer, Judge, Member then Captain of the Valatie Rescue Squad, played old Saint Nick for the Valatie Santa Claus Club and a lifetime of service to the Kinderhook Town Board. It was during his time with the Rescue Squad that he met the love of his life, Deborah Simonsmeier. They married in 1997 and together opened Wildhorse Wine and Liquor which became a staple of Main Street, Valatie for over 20 years. When Walt was not spending time with his grandchildren or planning his next adventure to the Blue Ridge Mountains or Alaska, he was a consummate storyteller, reminiscing about the many trips and adventures with Deb and the newest skills of his grandkids and their successes. He loved talking about Ireland and his trip there. He could be found hunting antique tools and frequenting barn and estate sales. He enjoyed Tractor Supply trips in his red Mustang and Cowboy Boot sales in Latham. His love of barbeque is unmatched and his ability to be the greatest mash potato maker will forever be unrivaled. He was a natural horse whisperer, a newly found reptile fan and goat wrangler of all time. Walt is survived by his sons, Matthew Simonsmeier, Jacob Simonsmeier-Hart (Michelle) and John Blasi (Sarah); his daughters, Neely Jennings (Sean) and Stephanie Valentine (Fred); his sisters, Jane Simonsmeier, Florence Helin and Roxanne Roehler and his brother, Randy Simonsmeier. His 9 grandkids were his greatest source of pride and happiness: Morgan, Wayne, Callie, Kaden, Graidy, Lena, Thalia, Noah and Atticus. Besides his wife Deborah and his parents, Walt is also predeceased by his daughter, Lena Simonsmeier; his brothers, Craig Simonsmeier, Tom Zielske and Bill Johnson; his nephew, Brad Helin and his niece, Alysia Zielske. Graveside services with military honors will be 10 AM, Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Valatie with Deacon Richard H.A. Washburn officiating. Everyone is then invited to join the family following the service at the Niverville Fire House on Main Street in Niverville at 11 AM for a celebration of Walt's life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Walt's name may be sent to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or the Valatie Rescue Squad, POB 242, Valatie, NY 12184