Walter A. and Barbara E. Belau

Walter A. Belau (December 8, 1941 – January 24, 2026)

Barbara E. Belau (October 16, 1942 – June 19, 2025)

Walter Alexander Henry Belau, age 84, passed away on January 24, 2026. His beloved wife, Barbara Ellen Belau (nee Wellendorf), preceded him in death on June 19, 2025. Their passing, only months apart, reflects the deep and enduring bond they shared throughout their lifetime together.

Walter was born on December 8, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Barbara was born on October 16, 1942, also in Milwaukee. High school sweethearts, they married on November 2, 1963, beginning more than six decades of companionship filled with devotion and unwavering love.

Walter served in the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1966. He continued the Belau family tradition as a plasterer, practicing the trade handed down from his father. Known for his warmth, humor, and strong work ethic, Walter also found great joy in his annual fishing trips to Canada, a tradition he cherished for many years. He was a long time “friend of Bill W.”, a community that brought him fellowship, strength, and lifelong friendships.

Barbara dedicated her life to caring for others as a registered nurse within the Ascension healthcare system. Her compassion, steady presence, and gentle heart touched the lives of countless patients and colleagues. Creative by nature, Barbara loved crafting, decorating their home, and making personalized greeting cards and handmade holiday decorations.

Together, Walter and Barbara created a home defined by creativity, generosity, and deep, abiding love. Their partnership was an example of resilience, faithfulness, and mutual devotion, and their presence in the lives of family and friends will be forever missed.

They were preceded in death by their two sons, Kevin Belau and Brian Belau; Walter’s five sisters—Marillyn Jane Ziesmer, Rose Marie Degenhardt, Sylvia Belknapp, Adafene Ruby Esther Richter, and Carole Esther Shearer; and Barbara’s sister Connie Johnson and brother Walter Wellendorf.

They are survived by three grandchildren—Whitney Szablewski, Anthony Belau, and Josh Belau—along with many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews who will carry forward their memory with love.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Walter’s longtime friend, Al Strobel, whose kindness, support, and steady companionship meant so much to Walter after Barbara’s passing. Special gratitude is also given to CareAge of Brookfield and Elain’s Hope at The Lutheran Home for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to Walter in his final months.

The interment of their ashes and a celebration of their lives will take place later this spring, on May 1st. Details will be shared with family and friends at a later date. Committal will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veteran Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday, May 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Walter and Barbara leave behind a legacy of devotion, kindness, creativity, and steady love. Their lives were a blessing, and they will be deeply missed by all who knew them.

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