Walter G. Wesley

Walter G. Wesley was born on October 12, 1938, in Fort Worth, TX, to Walter and Thelma Oliver Wesley. He grew up and attended school in Fort Worth, graduating from Arlington Heights High School in 1957. He attended Texas Christian University in Forth Worth, graduating in 1961 with a B.S. in physics. He obtained his P.H.D. in physics in 1970 at the University of North Carolina. In 1966 he started his teaching career at Moorhead State University, in Moorhead, MN, teaching physics and astronomy. While at Moorhead State, he was instrumental in getting the planetarium established and served as its director for many years. He also served as chair of his department for many years and also on many committees at MSU. He worked in the Sharing Science program in the 1990's. Walter married Beverly Guthmiller on April 12, 1968, at Webster, SD.He was diagnosed in October of 1998 with early onset Alzheimer's disease and he confronted the disease with complete dignity throughout it's progression.Walter is survived by his wife, Bev, Moorhead, MN; Children, Leanne Don Radlauer of Alfe Menashe, Israel, and their daughters Molly, Cecelia and Gabby; Deb Tim Wankel, of Champlin, MN, and their daughter Nicole; Randy Pam Vadnais, Fargo, ND, and their sons Jordan and Sean; and also granddaughters Eden and Raven Broberg, Fargo, ND; and Walter's faithful friend, Zeus.Walter's family would like to offer their sincere thanks and gratitude to Jill, Julie, Liz and the volunteers at the Adult Day Program at Villa Maria Nursing Home and also to their friends and family who have been steadfastly supportive.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Adult Day Program at Villa Maria or the American Alzheimer's Association.