Walter Springer

It is with sadness the family of Walter Frederick Springer announce his passing on January 4, 2025. Fred was 92 years old.

Fred was born in Fisher, IL and spent his early years there. In 1947, he moved with his parents to Puerto Rico, where his mother was one of two founding missionary teachers of Academia Menonita Betania. Fred lived in Puerto Rico until he completed high school. He then moved back to the United States to attend college, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1956 from Goshen College, married his college sweetheart, Wilma Kaufman, in 1957, and earned a Master’s degree from Bradley University in 1959. In 1959, Fred and Wilma moved to Long Beach, CA, where Fred spent 40 years teaching Industrial Education and Spanish to Junior High and High School students for the Long Beach Unified School District. During summers, Fred worked at various jobs including Knott’s Berry Farm and driving for Grey Line Bus Tours. Fred spent much of his free time making furniture pieces for his home, travelling to all seven continents (including Antarctica!), speaking with Toastmasters and stage managing at the Crystal Cathedral.

 Fred is survived by his wife of 67 years, Wilma, daughter Anita, sons Tim and Mark, eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and his brother, Ted.

Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cypress, CA.