Walter O. Joachim, Jr.

SCOTTSDALE – Walter O Joachim, Jr., Age 91, of Scottsdale, AZ passed from this world into his eternal resting place on Monday, November 15, 2021. He was born on April 17, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan to Walter and Virginia Joachim. Walter spent his childhood years in Grosse Pointe, MI. He attended Wooster College where he met his future wife, Emily Ann Oxenrider. Upon graduation in 1952, he served in the Korean War as a Sergeant in the U.S Army. Shortly thereafter, he and Emily married in 1954. They relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio where Walter joined the Kroger Company. Their three 3 children were born not long after - Linda, Christine, and John. As Walter’s career progressed, the Kroger Company led the family to many locations throughout the Midwest. Later in Walter’s career, he accepted a position as EVP for Pueblo International, a large supermarket chain headquartered in Puerto Rico. He and Emily had the privilege of experiencing an international lifestyle. After six years there, Walter retired. He and Emily then moved to Scottsdale, AZ. While in Scottsdale, they were blessed with grandchildren, Caitlyn, Jake, Jennifer and Katie. Caitlin and Lauren Kozlowski were later welcomed to the family. Walter and Emily summered for many years in Bellaire, MI with a home purchase in 1993, forming many lifelong friendships. Eventually, Walter and Emily traded northern Michigan for Prescott, AZ to escape the summer heat. As a faithful man, Walter was a longtime member of Pinnacle Presbyterian. Additionally, he had always been an avid sports enthusiast, especially a lifelong Tigers fan. He enjoyed golf in both northern Michigan and Scottsdale. Walter also adopted a love for car racing, participating as a corporate sponsor for Grand Prix racing. He was an active participant and supporter of Kiwanis as well as the local arts. Walter was one of the originators of Arizona Musicfest. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Emily. Walter will be dearly missed by his friends and surviving family members; Children - Linda McDonald (Bill), Christine Muth (Jon), John Joachim (Cindi) and Grandchildren- Caitlyn Gaffney (Jimmy), Jake Muth, Jennifer Joachim, Katie Joachim, Caitlin Kozlowski and Lauren Kozlowski, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service to honor his life will be held in January. For online condolences visit hansenmortuary.com. Donations may be made to Azmusicfest.org in his memory.