Walter J. Traenkle

Walter Walle Traenkle, 78, of Mt. Pleasant and formerly of Newton, NJ, passed away Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, at his home under the care of Heartland Hospice. A Funeral Mass for Walle will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Loren Kalinowski as celebrant. Immediately following the Mass, a luncheon will be held at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 4-8 p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Saturday one hour prior to Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Parish or Heartland Hospice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Walle was born Jan. 18, 1938, in Newark, NJ, son of the late John and Frances (Seeger) Traenkle. He graduated from Seton Hall High School, South Orange, NJ, in 1955. He served in the Army National Guard from 1959-1966. During that period he married Donna DeAngelis on May 30, 1965 in Newton, NJ. He was employed by the State of New Jersey in the Administrative Office of the Courts, retiring in 2000. He was also self-employed by Peaquanick Feed and Fuel, and Snap Out Forms in Newton NJ.Walle was an advocate for the awareness of organ donation and transplantation, and would conduct radio and TV interviews to help convey that message. In 1996 Walle was named the Healthcare Professional Triangle Award honoree by the New Jersey Transplant Association for his dedication to saving lives through organ donation and transplantation. He and his wife moved to Mt. Pleasant in 2003 He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish and fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus council 1297 of which he served as Trustee. In 1992 he was voted Knight of the Year by the Knights of Columbus in New Jersey. He was a past member of the Mt. Pleasant Historical Society. Some of his favorite pastimes included gardening, and fixing things that couldnt be fixed. Walle is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna; daughter, Dr. Diane Traenkle of Mt. Pleasant; five grandchildren, Pearl, Khanya, Thandi, Thasi, and Musa; sister, Trudy Traenkle of Latham, NY; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark Traenkle; brother, Father Mark Traenkle; and brother-in-law, James McKenna.