Obituary of Walter Andrew Bergstraesser

Walter Andrew Bergstraesser, 88, of North Syracuse, died peacefully surrounded by his family at Community General Hospital on November 8. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Walter was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska and graduated with high honors from the University of Nebraska in 1949. During this time he also served in the United States Navy. Upon graduating, he moved to Syracuse and started his career as an Electrical Engineer at General Electric. Walter worked at G.E. for 42 years, where his job took him all over the world. Walter's greatest passion was the time he spent with his family at their summer home on Otisco Lake, where many memories were made. Walter was predeceased by his loving wife, Joan, in 2012. He is survived by his children, Steve (Mary) Bergstraesser, and Lisa (John) McDermott, David (Elizabeth) Bergstraesser, and Eric (Lisa) Bergstraesser; eight grandchildren, Shannon, Heather, John, Sarah, Kathleen, Erin, Kevin, and Taylor; his sister, Ruth (Gerald) Mendenhall of Midland, Texas. Services will be held Thursday, November 13 at 10 am at Most Holy Rosary Church. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4 to 7pm at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse. Burial will be in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Baldwinsville. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Community General Hospital for the loving care given to him during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one's choice in memory of faith.