Walter Bandi, age 82, of Monroe was called home to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Walter was born in Monroe, Wisconsin to Alexander and Viola Bandi. Walter married Ilene (Lean) and together they bought their home where they raised their three children..
After Ilene’s death in 2002, Walter married Barbara (Haberman) Bandi in 2006 until her unexpected death in 2007. Walter later met a life partner, Nancy Barrett, caring for her until her death in 2020.
Walter loved watching Green Bay Packer Football, spending time with family, and golfing. He worked for Ken’s Agri-Service for 17 years where he was often seen carrying a one-hundred-pound bag of feed on each shoulder. Walter then worked for the Monroe Police Department for 29 years until his retirement in 2007. He was deeply supported by Ilene and the late Police Chief Richard Busch helping Walter overcome the challenges of dyslexia. Walter was further supported through the years by respected and cherished co-workers at the Police Department as well as those he served with at the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department for 21 years.
Walter dedicated his life to God, his family, the community, and his co-workers juggling schedules, and commitments to help anyone out at anytime they asked. After his retirement from law enforcement, he worked at Kwik Trip in Monroe for several years, until he fully retired and found second families at The Corner Café, Red Apple, and Blue Ox. Walter lived a life of service and continued to do so by forming close bonds with many neighbors who kept watch and helped him out the past couple of years.
Walter is survived by his children, Dale (Paula) Bandi, Darci (Scott) Schedler-Bandi, and Daniel (Kristin) Bandi; as well as sisters, Evelyn Crooks and Alice (David) Wangnoss; brother, Ed Bandi; and grandchildren, Sarah Bandi, Collin Schumacher, and Eric Schedler.
Walter was also preceded in death by his father, Alexander; mother, Viola; step-father, Sam Crooks; as well as his brothers, Dave and Herman Bandi and sister, Kim Rae Matzke.
The Bandi family wants to additionally thank the members of the Monroe Police Department, Green County EMS, and the Green County Coroner’s Office for their help and support.
While it’s difficult to say good-bye, we are thankful for the time we had together. Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain. His pain is gone, and he is now experiencing eternal joy! Blessed are those who die in the Lord. (Rev. 14:13)
Funeral Services will be held at 11AM on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Washington Reformation United Church in Christ with Pastor Kelly Volk officiating. Burial will follow service in the Washington Reformation Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4 – 7PM on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the SSM Health Monroe Hospice, to continue Walter’s legacy of care for his community.
