Walter Keith Trudeau

Walter (Wally) Keith Trudeau passed away on March 30, 2025, in Janesville, WI. He was 89.

Wally was born in Hurley, Wisconsin on July 7, 1935, to the late Keith Marshall and Lempi (Enkkeli) Trudeau. Wally was adopted by Archie Trudeau as a young boy and was raised in Ironwood, Michigan, the oldest of three brothers, by his deaf parents. Sign language was a second language to Wally. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1953. Though Wally spent his adult life in Janesville, WI, he regularly returned to Hurley, instilling in his family an appreciation for the shores of Lake Superior, rushing waterfalls at Interstate Falls Park, and the delicacy of a proper pasty.

Wally served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged on October 23, 1964. He was a delivery driver on behalf of Hostess Cakes earning him the nickname Twink, Thomas English Muffins, Geiser’s Potato Chips, RPS and, in retirement, Package Pros. Wally co-owned and operated Sub Zero an eating establishment in the Cherry Vale Mall, Rockford, Illinois in the early 1980’s.

Wally married Judith Ann Trudeau on June 9, 1973, and shared 46 years of marriage, until her passing in 2019. Together, they enjoyed travelling, spending time with their children and grandchildren, pontoon rides on the Rock River, weekends at the cabin in Westfield and hosting friends and family. Wally could often be found with a beer in one hand while stirring a pot of his famous white-chicken-chili or grilling his mouth-watering salmon, making sure there was enough for anyone who walked through the door.

Wally was bestowed the “gift of gab” and was quick to make a friend wherever he went - whether it be a delivery route, stopping for a beer, or a local grocery run. He was quick to find a connection, strike up a conversation, and find at least one other person you knew in common. His laugh and spirit are, and will continue to be, dearly missed.

Wally is survived by his children, Teresa (Earl) Arrowood, Tom (Julie) Trudeau, Timothy Sullivan, and Todd Sullivan; brother Al (Marilyn) Trudeau; devoted companion Mary Beath; grandchildren Ryan (Bailey) Trudeau, Megan (Ben) Crary, Kylie (Ryan) Ahrens, Anna (Jay) Darrell, Andrew (Morgan Johnson) Cullen, Bobby (Rachel Makowski) Cullen and Brooke Sullivan; great-grandchildren, Draven Arrowood, Remy Trudeau, Ellis Trudeau, Leo Crary, and Gemma Crary; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Trudeau, and wife Judy Trudeau.

Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon Saturday, April 5, 2025, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 North Wright Road, Janesville. Rev. Janice Diefenthaler will officiate. Military rites by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post # 1621 will follow the services at the funeral home. Private interment will be at a later date in Milton Lawns Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon April 5th at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences are welcome at www.henkeclarson.com.