Wallace Everett Wobschall, 96, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, died peacefully at his home on Jan. 18, 2017, from complications of Alzheimer’s.

Wally was born Jan. 30, 1920, in Wilton Township, rural Waseca, Minnesota, to Erick Danial and Clara Dorothy (Reick) Wobschall. He lived there until 1930 when his family moved to rural Ellendale where he farmed until 1954. He then moved to Austin and, in 2013, he moved to Albert Lea, having lived his whole life in Minnesota. Wally served for three years and nine months during World War II in the Army Air Corps. He was stationed in North Africa, Italy, and India. He returned to the family farm upon discharge.

On June 29, 1951, Wally married the love of his life, Margery Ann Ottesen at LeSueur Lutheran Church in New Richland, Minnesota. They were married for 65½ years and were each other’s companions and rarely apart. They moved to Austin in 1954 where he worked for Murphy Freight until securing a position with Austin Public Schools. Wally worked most of his 27½ years at Ellis Middle School as a custodial engineer, retiring in 1985.  Upon retirement, he helped Marge with her drapery business until a few years ago. He was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W., Moose, and Eagles.

Wally loved to build things and work with wood, tinker around the house, and his yard was his pride and joy. He was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it and always put others first. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Wally loved to dance and wore out a few pairs of shoes doing so. He was a kind and giving man and will be truly missed by all who have known him.  May he rest in the arms of our Lord.

Wally is survived by his wife, Margery Wobschall; son, Steven (Linda) Wobschall; daughters, Paulette (Chet) Anderson and Brenda (Timm) Caspers; nine grandchildren, David (Jamie) Smith, Becky Pearson, Angela Pierce, Corinne (Nathan) Neitzell, Candice (Lee) Williams, Kristine Wobschall, Kari Wobschall, Heather (Adam) Norris, and Jaclyn Anderson; nine great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joyce Wobschall, Phyllis Anderson, Ruth Sather, James Ottesen, Kathy (Paul) Underland, Butch (Gail) Ottesen, Eileen Bergland, and Liz (Rick) Wangsness; and many nieces and nephews.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers;  five sisters; son and daughter in infancy; and mother and father-in-law, Clarence and Bernice Ottesen.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. Eileen Woyen will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the VFW and American Legion Honor Guard. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.