Wallace “Wally” Lind

Wallace “Wally” Lind

Born June 29th 1946, Wally was the oldest of 6 children. He spent his childhood in Plymouth and Coon Rapids. Growing up, life was always an adventure. From fishing, to reading history to hitchhiking around the country, Wally was always on the go. He helped teach his siblings to drive, while they taught him how to dance. Yes, there are stories there.

Wally left high school to join the Army in 1964 at the height the Vietnam War. He was trained as a medic. While his first deployment was Germany, his second was Vietnam. He served 1 years 14 days in country. While there, he earned a Purple Heart when his armored personnel carrier hit a landmine. His overall enlistment lasted 4 years. However, the physical, emotional and psychological experiences lasted a lifetime.

While in the Army, Wally earned his GED, which allowed him to continue his education at the University of Minnesota earning a degree in Psychology. During this time, he married his first wife Susan. They had two children: Daughter Erin and Son Joshua. Following his divorce, Wally married the love of his life, Diane. Together they added son, Erik to the family.

Wally’s career led him from Ft. Snelling security to a position as sheriff deputy in Wright County. He then moved to the Burnsville Police Department. As patrol officer, he was able to develop the skills to become a crime scene investigator. Meticulous on processing evidence correctly and completely, Wally spent hours ensuring each of his crime scenes were fully documented. Upon his retirement, Wally began researching his family tree. This research led him to his father’s side of the family. Connecting with brother, Dave Barthel, Wally felt his story was now complete. This brought him a great peace of mind.

Fishing, reading and walking dogs filled his time in retirement. The annual fishing trip to Upper Cullen was the highlight of the year. Active membership in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Lakeville VFW allowed him to continue his support of military veterans and their families.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim and Donnie Barthel, sister Dianne Barthel.

He is survived by the love of his life of 39 years, Diane; children, Erin(Johnathan) Meyer, Joshua (Sharon) Lind and Erik Lind. He was so happy when grandchildren Sebastian, Jocelyn and Tynan joined the family. He was so proud of each and everyone of them. Also surviving are sisters, Lois (Jerry) Smith, Sharron (Bill) Herbert, Elaine (Jack) Nelson, Judy Hitt, Brothers Al Eggert, Dave, Jim and Richard Barthel many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 28, at 11:00 am at White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service, at 10:00 am.