Walter "Walt" "Wally" Muren

Walter "Wally" Muren, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on December 15, 2023, after a brave battle with Alzheimer's. Born on May 25, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, Wally's life was marked by his dedication to his career and his unwavering love for his family.

From an early age, Wally showed an exceptional aptitude for education. He graduated from Webster High School and went on to achieve great academic success at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. Armed with knowledge and a thirst for learning, he embarked on a professional career in the mortgage industry. Throughout his career, Wally made it his mission to simplify technical manuals, ensuring they were accessible to all. His ability to educate and speak about complex topics with ease left an indelible mark on all those he encountered.

Beyond his career achievements, Wally's life was enriched by an array of hobbies and interests that brought him immense joy. One such passion was photography—a lifelong fascination that spanned from stop-action movies to capturing mesmerizing 3-D images. He even had his own darkroom where he spent countless hours developing and cataloging a vast collection of slides and photographs.

Another enduring passion of Wally was trains. He relished in the world of model trains, specifically focusing on HO gauge layouts that intricately weaved through each of his homes. A proud member and contributor of the Four County Society of Model Engineers, Wally specialized in recreating the enchanting atmosphere of the 1950s in and around the Michigan area.  He invented a modular system that is the club standard to this day. His expertise extended even further as he saw his work published in various train magazines—an accomplishment that filled his family with pride.

While Wally accomplished much in his professional endeavors and hobbies, nothing brought him greater joy than the love he shared with his family. Throughout their 54-year marriage—having exchanged vows on October 11, 1969—Wally and his devoted wife Marlyn became inseparable companions. Together, they navigated life's joys and challenges, supporting each other wholeheartedly.

Wally's legacy lives on through his children—Marie, Jill, and Michael—whom he cherished deeply. Being a dedicated grandfather brought him immense happiness, as he adored his eight grandchildren: Kira, Ezra, Cruz, Naomi, Bella, Noble, Darby, and Keegan. He relished in the role of a great-grandfather to Kyla and Jasper—two bright lights who filled his life with joy.

Wally will forever be remembered as a kind-hearted soul who touched the lives of many. He leaves behind his wife Marlyn, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of family and friends whose lives he enriched with love and kindness.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Carrol Joseph and Freda Muren; his brother, Harold and niece, Annie.

As we celebrate Wally's life and mourn his passing, let us remember the way he shared his knowledge generously and brought beauty through his lens. May his memory inspire us to pursue our passions with vigor and create lasting connections with our loved ones.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests donations to be made to organizations dedicated to Alzheimer's Research, Hospice or a charity of your choice in honor of Wally's courageous battle. We bid farewell to this remarkable man whose indomitable spirit will live on in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to have known him.