Walter "Wally" G. Staves, 64, of Eau Claire, died Friday, August 13, 2010, at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire. \r\nHe was born in Marshfield, WI, on February 12, 1946, a son of Dudley and Marion (Pech) Staves.\r\nHe graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School with the class of 1964.\r\nWally entered the U.S. Army on July 9, 1964. He served with The Big Red 1 in Di-An, South Vietnam and was honorably discharged on July 7, 1967. \r\nWally married Nancy E. Kramer on April 29, 1978, at Lake Street United Methodist Church in Eau Claire. \r\nDuring his early working career he managed the Hollywood Theater in Eau Claire, was a sales coordinator at National Presto Industries, was a night manager at Armour Foods, and most currently worked for the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram newspaper as a Motor Route Manager until his retirement due to disability in 1999.\r\nMusic was a big part of Wally's life. He sang with his brothers in church choirs, was the lead of his high school musical production "Oklahoma" in 1964, formed a trio-singing group called the Tri-Teens, sang at weddings, funerals, and other community functions. As an adult he and a friend entertained at events as an interactive DJ group known as the "Bozo Brothers." He held a special appreciation for harmony in music, especially that of Gospel music. \r\nWally loved to go fishing with his grandfather as a child, and as an adult with his family at their vacation home in Bayfield, WI. He enjoyed playing and watching sports, coaching little league, and going to cheer on the Packers in Green Bay. In high school Wally was a gymnast and avid runner in both track and cross-country. In healthier times, he enjoyed downhill skiing and golfing. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and reminiscing with his mother and brothers. His dog, Sammie, was his constant companion. \r\nThe birth of his daughter was Wally's greatest joy. He proudly attended all of her many school and church programs and performances. He taught her to fish, throw a football and downhill ski, among other things. Wally was thrilled when she also became a passionate Packer fan. Wally will be greatly missed by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Lisa (José) Parra Staves of Robbinsdale, MN; his mother, Marion Staves of Eau Claire; two brothers, Dale (Marcia) Staves of Altoona, and Steve (Diane) Staves of Bellingham, WA; two nieces, Jenny and Kelly Staves; two nephews, Matt and Tony Staves; numerous aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his grandparents; and his father, Dudley Staves.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 19, 2010, at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire with Rev. Rolf A. Nestingen officiating. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire where VFW Post 305 will present military graveside honors. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church.

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