Walter Mathias Rosner

Our beloved father, brother, grandfather and Opa, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. At the age of 74, Walter was reunited with his wife, April, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage.

Walter was born on August 18, 1952, in Haag am Hausruck, Austria, to Herbert and Auguste Rosner. At just nine months old, he immigrated with his mother and older brother, Herb, to Lethbridge Alberta, Canada. During their years in Canada, the family grew with the addition of three more siblings: Bill, Pete, and Gaby. In 1963, the Rosner family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, settling on Parkcrest Circle, a home for great family memories and wonderful holiday traditions. 

Walter attended Granite High School, where he was a member of the diving team. He had a love for swimming and thoroughly enjoyed his time on the team before graduating in 1971.

On November 16, 1973, Walter married April Melanie Zirker. Four years later, on November 16, 1977, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they welcomed four wonderful children and built a life filled with love, laughter, and family traditions. They raised their children in their Midvale home, where they lived for 42 years.

Walter was a hardworking and dedicated man who took great pride in his work and was always willing to lend a helping hand. After attending Utah Technical College and becoming an electrician, he spent 30 years working in the chrome-plating industry before finding what he often called his dream job: driving a bus for the Utah Transit Authority (UTA). For the next 10 years, Walter truly loved his work, especially the opportunity to meet new people. He always had interesting, funny, and sometimes unbelievable stories to share about the passengers he met and the adventures he experienced along the way.

Walter was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and remained strong and faithful throughout his life. He loved attending sacrament meeting on Sundays and reading his scriptures daily. When his family gifted him with an iPad, it quickly became his favorite electronic device because he could read his scriptures on it!

Over the years, Walter faithfully served in many Church callings, including more than 10 years as a Primary teacher, as well as serving as a ward clerk and Boy Scout leader. His testimony was reflected not only in his words but also in the kindness, compassion, and service he showed to everyone around him.

As Walter began facing increasing health challenges, he eventually became unable to continue driving the bus and made the difficult decision to retire. Although this was a challenging transition, it would eventually lead him into another meaningful chapter of his life. 

In 2020, Walter moved into Rocky Mountain Hunter Hollow, where he would spend the final six years of his life. What began as a new living arrangement soon became a place he truly called home, filled with friendships, laughter, and countless memories.

Walter thrived at Hunter Hollow. Through determination, hard work, and physical therapy, he grew stronger and embraced every opportunity to stay active and involved. He became a beloved member of the community, always taking time to visit with other residents, check on their well-being, sharing stories and treats, and brightening their days. His friendly personality and genuine concern for others made him someone everyone looked forward to seeing.

He enjoyed participating in activities such as bingo, Name That Tune, puzzles, and Sudoku, but nothing brought him more happiness than visits from family and friends, especially when they arrived with his favorite treats! Walter could talk for hours, sharing stories, laughter, and memories with anyone willing to listen. He had a wonderful ability to make people feel welcome and always seemed to have one more story to tell.

In 2024, Walter received an electric motorized wheelchair that gave him a newfound sense of freedom and independence, and he certainly made the most of it! With his adventurous spirit and love for visiting people, he began traveling all over the valley to see family and friends, often showing up completely unannounced just to say hello. He absolutely loved surprising people, and those unexpected visits became something everyone looked forward to. His spontaneous adventures brought smiles, laughter, and memories that will never be forgotten.

One of Walter's greatest joys was giving Luke and Boston rides on his motorized scooter. He loved taking them around Hunter Hollow to visit the other residents, proudly showing them off while collecting treats along the way. Those simple little adventures meant the world to him and created memories we will treasure forever.

Walter had a remarkable love for life and an unwavering determination to enjoy every moment. He often told his family that he planned to live to be 100 years old, and anyone who knew him understood that he was serious! He had so many more things he wanted to do and people he wanted to visit. He frequently reminded his family that he wasn't ready to go because he still had plans.

Although his time with us was cut far too short, Walter lived a life filled with love, faith, laughter, and meaningful friendships. He had a special gift for making ordinary moments memorable, and the kindness he shared so freely touched more lives than he could have ever imagined.

Of all the things Walter accomplished throughout his life, he always said his greatest achievement was being a husband, father, grandfather, and Opa. Nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his family, creating memories, and watching the generations grow. The legacy he leaves behind is not measured by the years he lived or the jobs he held, but by the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the family he helped build.

Walter is survived by his son, Eric (Shelley); daughters, Jill (Rick) and Lisa (Steven); grandchildren, Addison (Colby), Lauren, Katelyn, Sophia, James, and Luke; and great-grandchildren, Boston and Asher. He is also survived by his siblings, Pete and Gaby (Rod), along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, April; his eldest son, Brian; his parents, Herbert and Auguste; his brothers, Herb and Bill; and his nephew, Bryce.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Rocky Mountain Hunter Hollow, especially Gloria, Loveta, Aubrey, Alma, Chelsea, Marie, Lindsay, Jen, Jade, and Jasmine, along with the many others who cared for him throughout the years. He spoke of you often and was grateful for the kindness, compassion, friendship, and care you gave him. You became an important part of his life, and our family will forever appreciate the love you showed our dad.

Dad, you were the best we could have ever asked for. Your selflessness, unconditional love, kindness, and devotion to our family will never be forgotten. Thank you for the wonderful memories, the lessons you taught us, and the love you gave so freely throughout your life. We will miss you and carry you in our hearts always. We love you, Dad.

Funeral Services

Saturday, October 17, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel.

Location: 

8060 South 615 East

Sandy, Utah

Viewing: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Funeral Service: 12:30 p.m.

Interment:

Memorial Mountain View Cemetery

3115 East Bengal Boulevard

Cottonwood Heights, Utah