Wally Devon Versaw

Wally Devon Versaw, passed away peacefully Saturday December 26, 2020, in Goshen, at the age of 85.

He was born to parents Walter and Ilo Versaw on July 9, 1935 in Benton Harbor, Michigan.  And the name on his birth certificate really was Wally.  He grew up on a small family farm and learned to drive at a ridiculously early age.

After high school Wally went into the Army and took advantage of the GI bill, which helped pay his tuition at Michigan State University and gain a BA in History, graduating in 1962.  He continued his education to earn a Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Michigan.  Wally spent the bulk of his career as a Social Worker, first working in the juvenile courts and then moving on to advocate for elderly needs licensing adult foster care homes.

Wally married the love of his life, Lois Adele (Bizer) Versaw on August 16, 1964 and she preceded him in death in 2011 after 47 years of marriage.  Together they built a loving family in Portage, Michigan.

Survivors include children, Karen (Michael) Stewart, Paul (Lisa) Versaw, Steven (Amy) Versaw; and five grandchildren, Corey Arndt, Taya, Natalie and Gabriel Stewart, and Ava Versaw.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana ( feedindiana.org ) in Wally’s honor.  He was passionate about helping those in need.  There will be a memorial scheduled at a future date when family and friends can gather safely in person to honor his life.

A tremendous amount of gratitude goes out to the ICU staff at Goshen Hospital who showed absolute compassion in the few days he was there, and are risking their lives every day to do so for all families.