Walter Ivan " Walt " Atkinson, age 84 of Portage, passed away peacefully February 24, 2014 at home surrounded by family and friends while celebrating his and Alice's 63rd Wedding Anniversary. He was born on December 4, 1929 near Pardeeville, Wisconsin to Floyd and Violet (Richmond) Atkinson.   Walter grew up in the Cambria area and attended Cambria and Pardeeville High School's. Walter was united in marriage to Alice Manthey on February 24, 1951 in Madison, Wisconsin.   He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March 1947 and proudly served for 21 years where he became an "ABF" Aviation Bosons Mate serving in the Korean War and Vietnam War aboard the USS Leyte, USS Coral Sea, USS Lake Champlain, USS Independence, and the USS Randolph, During this time he was stationed out of Norfolk, VA, Mayport, FL and Sanford, FL. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association #376 Madison, Wisconsin and was recognized in the National magazine as having over 40 years of dedicated membership. He was a Plank Holder of USS Coral Sea and USS Independence. He also was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post # 1707 in Portage, Wisconsin as an Honor Guard, a trustee and volunteered to help the Veteran's through the V.F.W. with many volunteer hours.  He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post# 47 of Portage, Wisconsin. After his military service, Walt worked for the Badger Ammunition Ordinance Plant in Baraboo, Wisconsin and then Appleton Papers, Portage, Wisconsin as a process operator for 23 years.  He was a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church since 1967 serving on the Board of Stewards and Board of Trustee's for many years.  Walter joined the Columbia County Fair Board in 1977 and had a major role in the Fair functions.  He served as Vice-President and President during his service on the Fair Board for over 20 years.  Walt also enjoyed coaching Youth Baseball, Managing "The Warming House" at the Pauquette ice skating pond, bowling on "Walley's Alleygators" team for the Wisconsin Lutheran Bowling Association, and enjoyed creating unique toys and gifts in his woodworking shop.   Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Alice (Manthey) of Portage, and his 3 children, Dolores Milton of Pardeeville, James Atkinson of Portage, and Ronald Atkinson of Lodi, 5 Grandchildren, Scott (Dannon) Milton, Mike (Amy) Milton, Casey Zabler, Kelsy Atkinson and Amos Atkinson, 6 Great Grandchildren, Nicholas, Madeline, Leland, Marren, Brileigh, and Audrina, and siblings, Earl Atkinson of Portage, Dorothy Olson of Pardeeville, John Atkinson of Pardeeville, Maurice (Rose) Atkinson of Oak Creek, Sandy (Jim) Treptow of Waunakee and other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Donald.   Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 3, 2014 at 11:00 am at St. John's Lutheran Church, Portage with Rev. Alan Boeck officiating.  Visitation will be Sunday from 2 - 5 pm at St. John's Lutheran Church and on Monday from 10 am until time of service. at St. John's Lutheran Church. Burial with Military Rites will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery, Portage.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church in Portage.  Service Details. Visitation

St. John's Lutheran Church

850 Armstrong St.

Portage, WI 53901

Sunday, March 2, 2014 2 - 5 PM

Map to Visitation Place Service

St. John's Lutheran Church

850 Armstrong St.

Portage, WI 53901

Monday, March 3, 2014 11:00 AM

Map to Service Place Interment

Oak Grove Cemetery

Portage, WI

Memorial Contributions St. John's Lutheran Church