Obituary: Dr. Walter Joseph Hey

February 17, 1933 ~ March 19, 2021

Dr. Walter Joseph Hey, 88, of Fish Creek, died peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Friday evening, March 19, 2021.

He was born February 17, 1933 in Balfour, North Dakota, son of the late Walter and Verna Mae (Radcliff) Hey. After graduating from Marshalltown High School in Iowa with the Class of 1951, he attended the University of Iowa, University of Southern California, and Loyola University. Walter eventually made his way to the Illinois College of Optometry, where he obtained his Doctorate Degree. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a light weapons infantryman during the Korean Conflict with the 245th Tank Battalion in Chun Chon, Korea. Walter practiced optometry in Madison briefly before moving to Green Bay, where he developed a large optometric practice with a satellite office in Sturgeon Bay. In 2000, he retired due to health reasons. He was a member of various professional organizations: Wisconsin Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Northeastern Wisconsin Optometric Society, Experimental Aircraft Association, the Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay Chamber of Commerce, and was the co-founder of FORRRB. Walter enjoyed spending time outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, or sailing. He was a conservationist and a private pilot. Walter and Lori loved to travel, even spending several winters in Costa Rica.

Walter will be missed by his wife, Lori Hey of Fish Creek; son, David Walter Hey of San Luis Obispo, California; stepsons, Kyle (Nicki) Haug of Pewaukee and Chad (Jamie) Haug of Sauk City; grandchildren, Cole, Madison, and Owen Haug; and sister, Darlene Stark of Washburn, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Verna Hey; brother, Darrell Hey; and special dog, Bailey.

In honor of Walter’s wishes, no formal services will be held. He will be laid to rest in Blossomberg Cemetery in Fish Creek.

Memorial donations can be made in Walter’s name to the Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus or Ducks Unlimited.

Casperson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Sister Bay is assisting the Hey family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Walter may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.