Walter Bell

MEMORIAL SERVICES : 2:00 P.M. on Friday, May 18, 2012 at the Braaten-Bell residence near Dorset, MN.SURVIVORS : His wife, Jan of Park Rapids, MN; 2 step-daughters: JoDee (Rick) Ales of Stillwater, MN and Stacey Lundberg of Bemidji, MN; 4 step-grandchildren: Jordan, Taylor, Cassie and Isabele; 1 brother: John (Olive) Rogala of Proctor, MN; his sister, Marie Bell of Reno, NV; 3 sisters-in-law: Linda (Don) Roberd of Park Rapids, MN, Helen (Dale) Wing of Detroit Lakes, MN and Terri (Dave) O"Brien of Monticello, MN; 2 brothers-in-law: Del (Mary) Cannon and Al (Cathy) Cannon all of Park Rapids, MN. WALTER GEORGE BELLDecember 25, 1941 ~ May 11, 2012 Walter George Bell, age 70 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Concorde, CA, died very unexpectedly on Friday, May 11, 2012, while walking out to get the mail at his residence south of Dorset, MN. Walt was born on Christmas Day, 1941 in Grafton, ND to Walter Sr. and Anastasia (Stanislauski) Bell. As a small child he moved with his mother to the Bemidji area where he attended public schools, graduating from the Bemidji Public High School with the Class of 1959. After his graduation, Walt joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country until receiving his honorable discharge in August of 1965. After leaving the Air Force, Walt enrolled at Bemidji State University where he earned his teaching degree in Chemistry, Physics and Biology. He then went on to teach high school in McIntosh for 3 years. In July of 1974, Walt joined the United States Army where he worked as a Medical Laboratory Specialist doing medical chemical research for the Army. He received his honorable discharge from the Army in July of 1991. Walt continued to live in California until returning to Minnesota in March of 2007 when he was united in marriage to Janet Braaten of Park Rapids. Walt had a profound love for music and was an accomplished violinist since his youth. Walt had served as a violinist for the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra for a number of years. He was an avid photographer who enjoyed taking landscape photography. He loved yachting and owned his own yacht for many years in California. He was a voracious reader and especially enjoyed Louis L"Amour westerns and books of military history. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and belonged to the Moose Club of Proctor, MN. Above all, Walt"s life was fulfilled in his marriage to his precious wife, Jan who he loved with all his heart. Walt will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Jan of Park Rapids, MN; 2 step-daughters: JoDee (Rick) Ales of Stillwater, MN and Stacey Lundberg of Bemidji, MN; 4 step-grandchildren: Jordan, Taylor, Cassie and Isabele; 1 brother: John (Olive) Rogala of Proctor, MN; his sister, Marie Bell of Reno, NV; 3 sisters-in-law: Linda (Don) Roberd of Park Rapids, MN, Helen (Dale) Wing of Detroit Lakes, MN and Terri (Dave) O"Brien of Monticello, MN; 2 brothers-in-law: Del (Mary) Cannon and Al (Cathy) Cannon all of Park Rapids, MN; numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. at the Braaten-Bell residence south of Dorset, MN. Jeff Menten will be the violinist. Military Honors will be provided by Star of the North Marine Corps League.