Walter G. Ready

Walter G. Ready, age 86, of Bagley, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2014, at home. He was born on March 19, 1927, in Bagley, the son of Casper and Clara (Knutson) Ready. Walter graduated from Bagley High School on May 11, 1944. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country for two years of which thirteen months were stationed in Kochi, Japan as part of the Occupational Forces. After his honorable discharge, Walter became a charter member of the Bagley Liscum Brothers American Legion Post No. 482. He was employed on the railroad delivering mail to Wyalusing. On February 16, 1951, Walter was united in marriage to Sylvia Ritchey Nivarel. In May of 1952, he was employed as Postmaster until his retirement on March 19, 1982. Walter enjoyed playing Bingo, cards, and hunting. He was a charter member of the Bagley Volunteer Fire Department for fifty-five years.

Survivors include his children: Jean (Roger) Blackbourn, Big Pine Key, FL; Gloria Cleghorn, Bagley; Linda (Duckey Baures) Ready, Bagley; Kim (Peggy) Ready, Cuba City; six grandchildren: Rae Marie (Tom) Woodward; Bradley (Camy) Blackbourn; Linda Lea (Gary) White; John (Lori) Clark; Daniel (fiance Katie Wanie) Ready; Wally (Jessica) Ready; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Darlene (Roy) Kochanowski; Madison; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia; a son, Walter Eugene "Opie" Ready; a daughter-in-law, Linda Joyce Ready; a sister, Laura Knapp; and his brothers: Donald, Arthur, Laverne, and Virgil.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bagley Lutheran Church in Bagley with Reverend Pamela Strakeljahn officiating. Burial with military honors was in Bagley Cemetery, Bagley. Family and friends called on Friday, March 7, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bloomington and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.