Wallace Joseph “Wally” Schlauder, 88, of Richland, WA, passed away following a brief illness on August 30, 2024. He left this world peacefully with his wife Diana at his side. Wally was a loving husband and father, a man of immense integrity who also possessed a profound sense of humility. He will be remembered as someone who sought to do good for those around him without expectation of reward or recognition.

Wally was born on July 29, 1936, in Chicago, IL to Wallace and Anna Schlauder. The first in his family to go to college, he graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1958 and was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. During the next 21 years he served on a ship and six submarines, including command of USS ROBERT E LEE (SSBN 601) and USS BARB (SSN 596) before retiring from active duty. Following the Navy Wally joined Westinghouse Hanford Company in Richland where he held a variety of management positions over the next 17 years.

After his retirement from Westinghouse Hanford in 1996 Wally felt it was time to give to others in return for all the blessings he had received. So began his third career where he gave his time and talents to benefit those less fortunate, and in need of assistance. He served on the boards of several local chapters and charities, including the United Way, Tri-Cities Catholic Family and Child Services, Catholic Charities, and the Tri-Cities Food Bank. He continued to serve on the board of the Tri-Cities Food Bank until his passing.

Wally married Diana Montopoli on April 9, 1967, in Chicago, IL. Their one child, Wallace E. “Wes” Schlauder joined them in the summer of 1968. Together they lived in Groton, CT, Washington, DC, Honolulu, HI, and San Diego, CA before settling in Richland in 1979.

In the 45 years they lived together in Richland Wally and Diana were active in their church and the community. They traveled extensively around the country and the world with family and friends. Their marriage was one of joy and happiness. They were husband and wife, but more importantly, they were best friends.

Throughout his life Wally was a devoted Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed a variety of pursuits from tending his yard, working on his old Porsche, bowling, and skiing, but he especially loved golf. He played his last round of golf just weeks before he passed.

He is survived by his wife Diana, son Wes (Kristin), grandchildren Emma and Bradley, niece Laura Best, surviving siblings Patricia Rodgers, George (Patricia), and Therese (Roby) Walters, brother-in-law Donald Liszewski, and nieces, nephews, and cousins who he loved very much.

Fair winds and following seas to a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and simply a good person.

Funeral mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11 am preceded by a rosary at 10:15 am. Inurnment with military honors will be at Sunset Gardens at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tri-Cities Food Bank, or Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington.