Walter William Schuk

BATAVIA - Walter “Bill” Schuk passed away July 7, 2026, after an impressive 91 years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Patti (nee Schultz). He is survived by his three daughters Amy (Randy) Jeffries, Amber (Pat) Latham, and Alice (Cass) Wehner, 7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.

Bill left his Dearborn, Michigan home at the age of 17 to enlist in the Navy– serving our country during the Korean War. He served aboard 6 different aircraft carriers around the world and was the radar engineer flying in a “guppy” which was the modified version of the Douglas Skyraider. There were stories of bailouts due to mechanical issues, being shot down more than once, and riding out a hurricane with waves crashing over the flight deck while off the coast near Quonset Bay. The most memorable story was a time in which he and the pilot ended up having engine trouble and had to ditch into the Mediterranean Sea. As they floated in their raft waiting for the cumbersome aircraft carrier USS Intrepid to pick them up, the faster USS Sullivans destroyer zipped in, reached the sailors first, then ransomed them back to the carrier for 35 gallons of ice cream each.

After his service ended, he met and married the pretty nurse who worked at the papermill where he was employed. He came in for aspirin for a “headache”, and the rest is history. Bill was immensely proud of his girls and raised them to do anything the boys could do – camping, hiking, jumping off bridges, canoeing. If they could carry it, they could bring it was the rule. He jumped in to be a coach for their gymnastic, softball, and volleyball teams. With the family, he drove up and down the east coast often with a gang of girls doing headstands in the back of the school bus yellow van.

He worked for the EPA for 20+ years, receiving commendations from the President of the United States until he took early retirement in the late 80’s then started his own consulting business for many more. After retiring again, he worked at Home Depot to stay busy and be useful to anyone who asked for his help in the store. During his working years he also taught college classes and wrote a book sharing his expertise and knowledge in “engineering” things we still don’t understand.

When not working, Bill enjoyed bowling, square dancing with Patti, playing mahjong with friends, golfing with his sons-in-law, family vacations on Topsail Island, and wood-working. He loved the solitude of his house on the hill and could often be found sitting on the back deck, watching the birds, feeding the wild foxes, and voraciously reading books.

Services will be held at Moore Family Funeral Home in Batavia on Tuesday, July 21. Visitation will begin at 11AM with a service following at 12PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown. The family is forever grateful for their compassion and care for him.