Walter "Walt" E. Tabbert

Walter (Walt) Eugene Tabbert was called to be with the Lord in the eternal glories of heaven on Saturday, May 30, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born in the home of his grandparents on August 13, 1930, in Petersburg, Michigan to parents William Delos and Maude Marie (Van Vleet) Tabbert. He graduated from high school in El Monte, CA in 1948, but attended Petersburg schools through 1947. He also completed various collegiate level work-related courses. Walt served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953 and upon his honorable discharge, worked at Tecumseh Products from 1948-1957 and also farmed for 3 years during that period. He owned and operated a Gulf service station in Clinton, MI from 1957-1959, then worked at Clinton Engines from 1959-1962, and at Tecumseh Farm Equipment in 1962 as a Salesperson. In 1963, Walt began working for American Chain & Cable in Adrian, MI where he retired in 1987 as Division Manager of Cost/Industrial Engineering. He married Edna Bierlein in 1955 and was richly blessed with 67 years of marriage and a wonderful family, including daughter Sharon (Mike) Jaska and son David (Brenda) Tabbert; grandchildren Michael (Sonja) Tabbert, James (Jenn) Tabbert, David (Katie) Tabbert, Timothy (Missy) Jaska, and Victoria Jaska, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Edna, he is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Shirley (Bame), brothers, William and Theodore, and baby sister Patricia (died at birth). Walt and Edna attended Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Tecumseh, MI before moving to Adrian. They were active members of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School in Adrian where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and a member of the School Board. They would eventually make their retirement home in Florida and became active members of Bethel Lutheran Church in Clearwater where Walt called on shut-ins, served as Congregation President, and Chairman of the Board of Elders for many years. In 2018 they moved back to Michigan and took up residence at Independence Village in Brighton and made Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hartland their church home. Besides his love of family, Walt participated in the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club in Clinton, and Associated Charities in Adrian. He was an active member of Island Park Recreation Club in Manitou Beach, Michigan (Round Lake) and served for several terms as President. They were members of Highland Lakes near their home in Palm Harbor, Florida, where he enjoyed golfing, activities with the Midwest Club, Organ club, and served with Edna in their neighborhood as block captains. Other organizations Walt participated in are Warbler’s Hideaway Association, Grayling, MI, American Legion, Luzerne, MI, and Highland Lakes Homeowners Assoc., Palm Harbor, FL. We rejoice in the Lord for all of the blessings bestowed upon us through Walt, a good and faithful servant of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A Funeral visitation will be held at Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hartland, MI on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 9-11AM followed by a funeral service. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, a visitation will be held at Wagley Funeral Home in Adrian, Michigan from 9:00-10:30AM followed by a graveside military veteran ceremony and committal at Lenawee Hills Cemetery in Adrian, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Hartland, Michigan. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Walter "Walt" E. Tabbert

August 13, 1930 - May 30, 2026