Anthony Walter

Anthony M. “Tony” Walter, 98, peacefully passed away from this life into eternal life on Monday, January 23, 2012 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo. He was born on April 2, 1913 to John and Veronica (Fritz) Walter in Bismarck, ND where he graduated from high school. He graduated from NDAC (now NDSU) in 1939. To pay for his college education, he played the saxophone in the Gold Star Band, served as a dorm proctor and worked at Service Drug in Fargo. He began his career as a pharmacist at Trapanier Drug in Grand Forks. On June 9, 1941, Tony married Zona Mae Olson in Carrington, ND. In early 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy and later, as a Chief Petty Officer, was transferred to the US Marines where he served as a medical corpsman in the Pacific as the US recaptured islands including Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. He was slated for the invasion force into Japan and was honorably discharged in 1946. Always proud of America’s service men and women, he was one of the ND Honor Flight veterans and a member of the ND Navy League. Returning home, Tony worked as a pharmacist at the White Drug in Jamestown, before moving to Bismarck when he brought the Broadway Drug store in 1947. During his career in Bismarck, he worked at the Cowan Drug store, as a salesman for the Schering Corporation, at the Plaza Drug store and ended his career as a pharmacist and owner of the Bismarck Pharmacy within the Q & R Clinic. Tony was committed to improving the service of pharmacists to the public and was elected President of the ND Pharmaceutical Association, President and member of the ND Board of Pharmacy, charter member and President of the Sixth District Pharmaceutical Association, and later in retirement, Senior Compliance officer for the ND Board of Pharmacy. He was highly regarded by his fellow pharmacists and received many awards and recognitions including the Bowl of Hygeia from the A.H. Robbins Company as ND Pharmacist of the Year (1971) and the Marion Club, selected by sales representatives to serve as a consultant to the Marion Company (1975). In 1980, the NDSU Kappa Psi Fraternity selected Tony as their Man of the Year. In 1986, the ND Pharmaceutical Association Convention was dedicated to Tony with this program notation: “An exemplary role model for many interns/externs, Tony has been a preceptor always willing to share in his time and talents with future pharmacists. He has committed himself with excellence to this endeavor; guiding the students in enhancement of pharmacy care to the patients they serve.” In January, 2012, he again renewed his pharmacy license which he held for 73 years. In addition to his pharmacy career, Tony was active in community service receiving the Bismarck Jaycees Award for Outstanding Community Service in 1964. He was a member of Bismarck Exchange Club, the Moose Lodge, the Masonic Lodge, and El Zagal Shrine. As a charter member of the Lone Star Band, which later became the Bismarck Elks Band, he participated for over 50 years until it disbanded. He believed that children and youth are our future. He served as a PTA officer, taught Sunday School at the McCabe Methodist Church in Bismarck and served as Rainbow Dad. He contributed to scholarships for NDSU, Concordia College and University of Mary (Bismarck) students. He joined the NDSU School of Pharmacy Sudro Society to further opportunities for pharmacy students. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo. Known for his positive attitude and always having a joke to tell, Tony has lived at the Fargo Waterford/Touchmark for the last 10 years. He water-skied into his 70s, played golf and bowled into his 90s, and continued to enjoy playing cards, watching sports, and exercising until the day before he died. His family was the joy and the gift in life he most appreciated. Tony is survived by his daughter, Marilyn (William III ) Guy, Fargo; granddaughter, Stephanie (Matthew) Gruchalla, F