Teresa A. Walter

Teresa Ann (Gilles) Walter was born on October 7, 1949, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to William and Helen Gilles. She passed away December 30, 2025 leaving behind a life filled with love, service, life-long learning, and travel

Teresa had a lifelong love affair with her best friend and husband, Richard Walter--and with books. A gifted student, she took pride in learning and was known to say she earned only one “B” in her entire academic life. She married her best friend, Richard, in August 22 of 1970, and together they built their home on Skunk Hollow Road in La Crescent, Minnesota, with the help of her parents—a place filled with family, books, and warmth.

Teresa was deeply committed to her community. In 1986, she helped establish the La Crescent Library alongside Marlene Butzman, reflecting her enduring belief in access to knowledge. She served as township clerk for ten years, township supervisor for another ten years, and as the first woman County Commissioner for Houston County 4th District and a 3-termer (2010 to 2022). Her dedication to public service was steady, thoughtful, and generous.

Professionally, Teresa enjoyed an exceptional career, working for 40 years in radiology. She performed X-rays and mammograms and founded a mobile bone density service that brought essential care to older adults throughout the Driftless Region.

A passionate traveler, Teresa explored the world with enthusiasm and wonder. Her journeys included the Grand Canyon, New Zealand, New York, Italy (multiple times), Greece, Australia, France, South Korea, Mexico, the Black Hills, the Lewis and Clark Trail, and many other destinations. She especially treasured visits to Toronto to see her daughter and family, and to Quebec.

Teresa was a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her children: Anne Walter Peterson, her husband Karl, and their children Beck, Jack, and Lake; Eva Walter of La Crosse, with whom Teresa spent much cherished time; and Mark Walter, his wife Eve-Marie, and their children Ryder and Ruca.

She also expressed her love through creativity, hand-making many quilts for family and friends. A woman of deep faith, Teresa donated countless hours to charitable causes, helping those who were poor or hungry, and giving her time and service to the Catholic Church throughout her life.

Above all, Teresa was a lifelong learner—curious, compassionate, and always eager to understand more about the world and the people in it. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In loving memory Dick, Anne, Eva and Mark

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the Roncalli Newman Catholic Church in La Crosse. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crescent and one hour prior to Mass at the church on Saturday. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed for those that can’t attend. Please click the following link to view the live stream Roncalli Newman Parish YouTube Page. In lieu of flowers, Teresa asks you to donate to the La Crescent Food Shelf.