Wilfrid K. Anhalt

Mystic — Wilfrid K. “Bill” Anhalt, 98, of Mystic, formerly of Ledyard, passed on with family gathered around him Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, at the Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London.

Bill was born April 20, 1924, in Cato, Wis., to Joseph Anhalt and Mathilda Pritzl Anhalt. He was the third born among 11 brothers and sisters. When he was 18 and just old enough to join the fight in World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and defended Liberty ships transiting the Western Pacific Ocean. After the war, he returned to his family farm for a short time, then re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy and finished a 20-year career as a submariner and recruiter.

In 1954, Bill met, fell in love with, and married Ruth Ann Radewan while on recruiting duty in Racine, Wis., she preceded him in death April 21, 1997. Together, they raised a Navy family of six children, Mike, Pat, Mark, Dan, Sindy, and Suelyn.

In 1963, he began his second career as a Realtor. In just a few short years, he built a reputation of dedication, honesty and meticulous attention to detail in serving his clients. Soon, he opened his own real estate business in Gales Ferry, The Anhalt Realty, and began a successful career that would last many years.

He was active in the Our Lady of Lourdes Church and provided community services through the Lions Club and Rotary Club, working through all the chairs in both organizations and serving as the Rotary Club president. Through all the years, Bill and Ruth had many wonderful friends, and their home was always a popular gathering place. He loved working around the yard and golfing, which he continued to play well into his nineties.

He received a call, with the offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning.

Bill, Dad, Grandpa and Great-grandpa is loved and will be missed greatly.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at the Byles Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St. in Groton. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1650 CT 12, Gales Ferry. Interment will follow with military honors at Avery Stoddard Cemetery in Gales Ferry.

Donations may be made in Bill’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 666758517.

For more on Bill or to sign the online register, please visit www.byles.com.