Walter Kessinger

June 29, 1995 - July 22, 2026

Obituary

To view Walter's Celebration of Life, please click on the link below:
Ryan Funeral Home Madison - YouTube

Walter Kessinger of Milwaukee passed away unexpectedly on July 22, 2026, at the age of thirty-one. He was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and grew up in Madison where he graduated from West High School. He attended Ripon College and served in the Marine Core for four years, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Recently, he received his commercial driver’s license and went to work for a local trucking company.

Walter enjoyed playing guitar, cooking, reading and fishing, but most of all he loved adventure. He was fearless and inquisitive. He left us all too soon, but he will always be in our hearts.

Walter is survived by his parents, Dale and Sonya Kessinger of Madison and brother Elliot Kessinger of Minneapolis. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Wiley and Maxine (Janesville, Wisconsin) and Harry and Marie Maine (Rio Rancho, New Mexico).

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Drive, Madison. Walter’s burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison, prior to the Life Celebration.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Walter’s honor.

To view his obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center
6728 Mader Drive
608-274-1000

Events

Celebration of Life

Fri Aug 7, 2026 @ 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM CDT

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center • 6728 Mader Dr, Madison, WI 53719

Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of Walter

Memories

Add a memory of
Walter

Kim Varian

Friend • 9 days ago

The Varians are all in California right now or we would most certainly be there to celebrate the life of such a wonderful soul. I loved hearing the stories of Brad and Walter going down to State Street busking for fun. If they got some cash? Great! They didn’t really care. It was for the joy of playing music for people. I loved getting the chance to reconnect with him at the neighborhood July 4th picnic. Walter was a soft spoken deep thinking artistic guy. I think we even discussed having him play a bit with the band. I’m so sad that I cannot give you a hug in person tomorrow. Just know that we are wrapping a warm hug around your entire family. Walter’s sweet light was dimmed too soon. He will be missed by many. Love you guys❤️

Ellie Allbee

Classmate • 10 days ago

So sorry to hear of his passing. He was always so kind and welcoming to me in middle school and high school.

Yume Tateyama

Friend • 10 days ago

I am writing from Japan. Walter brought so much joy into my lives. Last year, he visited Hiroshima, Japan, and the precious time I shared with him will forever remain one of my greatest treasures. He was kind, courageous, and full of adventure. He accepted me exactly as I am and gave me a sense of safety, confidence, and so many precious, happy memories. My family and I will always be deeply grateful for the love and kindness he showed me. Walter’s kindness and gentle spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Please accept our deepest condolences. With our heartfelt sympathy, Yume Tateyama and Family, Hiroshima, Japan.

Kate Judge

Friend • 13 days ago

I think Walter left a lasting impression on all who met him. My memories of Walter are mostly of the thoughtful little boy I knew years ago. I was charmed by the witty and thoughtful things he said as a little guy (deep and independent thinker), and his remarkable talent as a musician. Though I saw him less as an adult, it was clear he had grown into a strong and adventurous young man. Seeing him at the Fourth of July picnic last year —so handsome, healthy, and full of life—is a memory I will cherish. Our hearts are with you during this horribly sad time.