The Reverend Walter W. Pitt, Jr.

Let us remember with thanksgiving to the Creator, the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Walter W. Pitt, Jr. who entered that life which has no end on July 16, 2013. A celebration of Walter’s life was held on July 28 at the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church. The homily, Soaring Like Eagles, was delivered by the Rev. Marilee Benson. Following the message, the congregation joined the soloist in singing the chorus of On Eagle’s Wings. All five children and their spouses, his ten grandchildren and their spouses and his two great-grandchildren, as well as many friends who shared his life were present at the service.

Walter Wellington Pitt was born December 18, 1927 in Hackensack, New Jersey. He was the third of four children born to Walter W. Pitt, Sr. and Mildred (Palmer) Pitt.

After high school graduation, he served as a paratrooper with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Walter recalled his first jump as follows: “I looked at the sky and it was wonderful and very peaceful. I said a prayer and jumped. When I landed, I said another prayer and decided I wanted to serve God.”

In 1956, he married Helen Tietjen. By 1966, Helen and Walter had five children (Judith, Walter III, Joanna, Albert and William).

With a license to preach, Walter served as the associate pastor of First Church, Amityville for one year (’55-’56). He became a probationary member of the New York East Conference and was appointed to Hampton Bays in 1956. The following year he received deacon’s orders and in 1958 elder’s orders and full membership in the conference. The bishop appointed Rev. Pitt to attend school in 1962 and two years later he served as the Director of Chaplaincy Services and Chaplain of the Rhode Island Council of Churches. A new ministry awaited Walter in 1967 when he served at the Methodist Hospital, St. Louis Park, MN as Director of Religious Activity and Chaplain. His ministry at “Methodist” included training clergy, physicians and therapists. Seventeen years later he was once again appointed to attend school, followed by retirement in 1986.

Soon after returning to the Midwest, Walter and Helen purchased a farm with 120 acres of land in Clear Lake, Wisconsin. In the early years he loved to go to auctions, his tractor and his proudest auction purchase, a round oak stove, remain.

Expressions of concern and support may be sent to Helen K. Pitt, 4350 Brookside Court #205, Edina, Minnesota 55436.