Walter R. Wittmer

Walter R. Wittmer, 83, born in St. Paul, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. He was surrounded by his son David, daughter–in-law Cheryl, and sister Carol Hunter. He is preceded in death by wife Sharon. Survived by son David (Cheryl), grandson Gavin, and sister Carol Hunter. Sister-in-laws, Carol Hansen, Liz Hansen and Kathy Hansen, nieces and nephews Linda (Bob), Diane, Paul (Jen), Julie (Todd), Rick (Jen), Tony (Korrine), Jeff (Heather), Mike (Tamara), Tammy (Wayne), and Sheri (Wayne).

Walt served four years in the U.S. Air Force in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Walt said this groomed him to earn his Business degree at the prestigious Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Walt was an entrepreneur at heart. He started his young career managing the office space at the IDS Tower in Minneapolis in his late 20’s. From there he met the people he needed to know to start building Valley Fair.  Valley Fair became his life-long dream and accomplishment. He was General Manager of Valley Fair for 25 years, managed 1500 staff at Valley Fair and 800 staff at Camp Snoopy in the Mall of America. He was a family man and wanted families to have a place to go and have fun without having to spend their paychecks to get there.

In 2004, Walt and Sharon bought a house in Cape Coral, Florida and never looked back. A proud member of the American Legion Post 90, Walt has made his last chapter of his life the best he could imagine, surrounded by his family, friends and the water.

A celebration of life will be held for Walt in Minnetonka and Cape Coral in July.  He used to say, have a big party and throw my ashes in the water.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.