Walter H. Bade

Walter (Walt) H. Bade, 93, of Huron, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2024, at Providence Care Center Sandusky, surrounded by family.

Born and raised in Cleveland, OH, Walt graduated from East High School, and in 1956 earned a degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the Case Institute of Technology (Case Western Reserve). He then started his career in “molten metals” at Sandusky Foundry and Machine (Sandusky International), Sandusky, OH, where he worked until his retirement as Plant Manager in 1994, 38 years later. One coworker wrote “I was always amazed by Walt’s grasp of foundry equipment and centrifugal castings that no one else in the world possessed”. It was this expertise that allowed Walt to travel numerous times to Japan and Scotland to oversee technology exchanges and plant start-ups. One startup in 1966 was to last over a year, so Jayne and the four kids relocated with him to Glenrothes, Scotland. Mincemeat pie, Highland cattle, castles, the Cliffs of Dover, the Firth of Forth, and Loch Ness! What an adventure for all. These travels allowed Walt to fly on the supersonic Concorde jet, land on tiny Wake Island in the Pacific to refuel on the way to Japan, and then cross the Atlantic on the Queen Mary passenger ship with family.

Walt met his wife and lifelong companion, Jayne, by chance at an office coffee machine where they both worked in 1951. The new coffee machine was high-tech at that time. Rumor has it that Walt poured Jayne her first cup of coffee! They married on September 4, 1953. Walt never missed remembering and celebrating their special days! Together, Walt and Jayne traveled to many countries in Europe, and all 50 States including Alaska and Hawaii.

Boating on Lake Erie and snow skiing were Walt’s passions. He continued both activities well into his later years. Walt loved to take the kids and grandkids out onto the lake on a flat-water day in his Sea Ray Weekender. His favorite snow ski slopes were Peak N Peak and Boyne Highlands. Like many born and raised in Cleveland, he never wavered in support of the Browns, Cavs, or Guardians. He so loved cheesecake made from the family recipe passed down from his sister Joan to his daughter Laurie.

A great metallurgical engineer, loving husband, caring father, and wonderful grandfather, Walt will be fondly remembered by all.

Walt is survived by wife, Jayne Bade of Huron; four children, Bob Bade of Huron, Jim (Amy) Bade of Hilliard, OH, Laurie (Tom) Legando of Huron, and Scott (Lynda) Bade of New Albany, OH; seven grandchildren, Drew, Nicole, Micheal, Erin, Carson, Melanie, and Raelene; as well as three great-grandchildren, Simon, Louis, and Henry James. The little ones always made Walt smile!

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Florence (Wallace) and Walter Bade, and sisters, Joan May and Doris Eckert.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at the Providence Care Center.

 At Walt’s request, there will be no funeral services or visitation, and he will be cremated with assistance from Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Huron Rescue Squad Fund, C/O Huron Fire Dept., 417 Main Street, Huron, OH 44839.

Online condolences can be shared at www.fosterfh.com.  Cheers!

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