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Capt Walter A. Toehlke, USN

  • May 3, 1934 - April 22, 2011
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Capt Toehlke

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Memories & Candles

“I served with Walt in the mid 60's. We were with Commander Cruiser Destroyer flotilla-9. He was a fine officer and outstanding person. Fortunately...Read More » ”
1 of 17 | Posted by: jerry johnson - ward, AR

“Bev and family, I just heard this morning about Walt's passing. So very sorry for the loss of your great man. I have fond memories of you both as...Read More » ”
2 of 17 | Posted by: Paula Larivee - Virginia Beach, VA

“Dear Beverly, Art and Kurt. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Captain Toehlke with great respect. It was always a treat to visit your home,...Read More » ”
3 of 17 | Posted by: Helle Dresdner - Dragoer

“Bev, I am so sorry to hear about this. I will truly miss Walt, he was such a wonderful man. Out of all of the members who visit the Y, nobody's...Read More » ”
4 of 17 | Posted by: Terrence - Virginia Beach, VA

“Dear Bev, I served with Walt on the USS Massey. I was an Asst. Eng. Officer. Sorry for your loss. He was quite a guy. Funny. After the Navy I wound...Read More » ”
5 of 17 | Posted by: ARTHUR W. ROBERTS III - Reedville, VA

“Walt was so much fun to work with (at Cox High School)and he told the best stories! ”
6 of 17 | Posted by: Laura Roy - VA

“Dearest Bev, Our deepest sympathy to you and your sons in the loss of Walt. You both were favorites of ours from the Cape Henry days. We will just...Read More » ”
7 of 17 | Posted by: Dave and Cindy Dustin - VA

“May You find strength from above to get thru your time of loss. Our prayers are with the family. I enjoyed working with Capt. Toehlke. The Logans ”
8 of 17 | Posted by: MS2 Ray Logan - Norfolk, VA

“Walter was indeed a very special friend whom we loved. When our Sunday night group meets again, a special prayer will be offered to him. Love,...Read More » ”
9 of 17 | Posted by: George & Suzette Pillow - VA

“To The Toehlke Family, We would like to extend our deepest sympathy.... Mr. Toehlke will remain in our hearts and we will always cherish the...Read More » ”
10 of 17 | Posted by: Kim Larson - Bristow, VA

“Dear Bev and Family, Patty and I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy over Walt's passing. I shall always remember the SACLANT...Read More » ”
11 of 17 | Posted by: David Wittle - Virginia Beach, VA

“Bev, We have all lost a treasured friend in Walt. Wish there was time to bake him one more rhubarb pie this spring. We keep you and the boys and...Read More » ”
12 of 17 | Posted by: Bill and Cheryl Jacobs - Richmond, VA

“Love and hugs to you, Mrs. Toehlke..prayers to you and your family. May he rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him. Honey, Mark...Read More » ”
13 of 17 | Posted by: Honey de St. Aubin - Atlanta, GA

“My favortie crumudgeon will truly be missed. ”
14 of 17 | Posted by: Terry Hill - Virginia Beach, VA

“Toehlke Family - We are very sorry for your loss. The Captain will be missed greatly. Brian, Amy, and Noah Dexter ”
15 of 17 | Posted by: Brian Dexter - Baltimore, MD

“To the Toehlke Family - The USS MASSEY DD778 Association extends our deepest sympathy on your loss and the loss of respected professional mariner and...Read More » ”
16 of 17 | Posted by: Capt Richard E Pearsall, USN (ret) - VA

“To an outstanding Naval Officer, great boss and a true friend you will always be in our thoughts. As a founding member of the Tripartite we will...Read More » ”
17 of 17 | Posted by: Roger E. Kilb - Virginia Beach, VA


Capt. Walter A. Toehlke, United States Navy, retired, "crossed the bar for his last cruise" on April 22, 2011. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, on May 3, 1934. He was the only son of Arthur and Elizabeth from Breman and Ludwigshaven, Germany. After living in Germany in 1938-39 with his grandparents, he returned to the U.S. and learned English at public school "ninedy-tree" (93). He attended Vocational High School for Maritime Trades aboard the liberty ship SS John W. Brown. In 1952, he enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserve, attended "Boot Camp" at Cape May, NJ and made two reserve cruises aboard Coast Guard cutters. In 1953, he was accepted as Midshipman at the Maine Maritime Academy. After graduation in 1956 as a third mate U.S. Merchant Marine, he was discharged from the Coast Guard and accepted as an Ensign USNR, followed by an appointment to the regular Navy. After 31 years of commissioned service, he retired having served aboard seven ships, five shore stations, and an overseas assignment with the Military Advisory Group, Vietnam. After military retirement, he was employed at Frank W. Cox High School for an enjoyable ten years where he gained a new respect for those who teach (They are not paid enough). He is survived by his wonderful wife Beverly (Brown) of Briarcliff, Maryland, who had the courage to "hook it up" on Halloween 1959, after knowing a Brooklyn guy for only four months. Also surviving are his sons Arthur and Kurt, daughters-in-law, Molly and Joyce, plus three grandchildren Wyatt, Anna Morgan, and Erik. "Auf Wiedersehen Freunden und alte Kameraden." The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, 1264 North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA from 3 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the U.S. Navy SEAL Foundation at www.navysealfoundation.org., or Navy SEAL Foundation, 1619 D Street Bldg. 5326, Virginia Beach, VA. 23459. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.