Jeremy Ryan Walters

With his million dollar smile and a heart of gold, Jeremy Walters was a friend of many and beloved by all. A bright young man who at the age of 21 was diligently working on his "bucket list", Jeremy's life revolved around adventure and keeping busy. In Jeremy's eyes, we only live once, and he was sure to make the most of each and every day he was given. Although gone much too soon, the memories he leaves behind will be a constant reminder of his undeniable thirst for life and all he had to offer.Born on December 15, 1993 in Rochester, Minnesota, Jeremy Ryan Walters was the son of Rick and Lori (Thorson) Walters. During this time, Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States, and Beanie Babies made their popular debut. Jurassic Park took movie theaters by storm, and Mariah Carey hit the top of the music charts. Yet nothing could have brought the Walter's greater joy than welcoming their bundle of baby boy.Although born in Rochester, young Jeremy and his family made their home in St. Charles where Jeremy grew up alongside his brother, Jordan. He experienced a childhood filled with adventure from the start, and spent hours entertaining himself with his John Deere tractors, Legos, and Matchbox cars. All boy, there was never a day that Jeremy didn't come in from playing in his well-loved sandbox covered from head-to-toe in sand.During his youth Jeremy enjoyed playing T-ball and youth baseball. In fact, Jeremy played baseball throughout his high school years and soon found himself playing small town pick-up ice hockey games in his early teens. He thoroughly enjoyed his passion for hockey which continued well after high school. His favorite sporting teams included the Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Twins. He enjoyed trips to home games for each team at least once a season.Jeremy attended the area schools and began dating his longtime friend, Emily Shank in May of 2013.They were the best of friends and met in the ninth grade when Emily was the new girl in school. He went on to graduate from St. Charles High School in 2012, and always the hard worker, he set his sights on fulltime employment. Jeremy loved working the farms. Since his youth, he worked for several area farmers and companies including Lakeside Packing of Plainview where he ran a pea picker. He worked for dairy farmers Bill Rowekamp of Lewiston, Carl Herber of Rollingstone, and Dave Scheevel of Preston.Since before the age of five, Jeremy developed into a well seasoned, airplane traveler. He began traveling to visit his grandparents in Vermont where he enjoyed memorable and exciting times. The week prior to his death, Jeremy and Emily fulfilled one of his bucket list items when they visited Itasca State Park, the headwaters of the Mississippi so he could "walk the Mississippi", one of his heart's desires.Jeremy never had the opportunity to have children of his own, but they were naturally and instantly drawn to him. He absolutely loved kids, and was so looking forward to becoming an uncle he'd often ask his brother when it was going to happen! His family knew without a doubt what a kid magnet Jeremy was because he easily bonded with each one he came in contact with. There wasn't a crying or grumpy kid around that Jeremy couldn't make smile or laugh. Just a kid at heart, he loved spending time with his younger cousins and loved them dearly.Family was an important part of Jeremy's life. He loved hanging out with his "donkeys" which he endearingly referred to as his friends, and understood only in ways that they could. Yet Jeremy could spend hours with his mom putting John Deere puzzles together which they often glued and framed. Through the years great memories were formed on several family vacations and during the holidays. He knew how to keep busy, and aside from work, he liked playing sports and going for long bike rides. Jeremy was an avid disc Frisbee golfer and always had his discs with him. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brother and dad, and had his sights set on getting a motorcycle one day so he could ride alongside his big brother.There was never a dull moment when Jeremy was around and his adventurous nature was second to none. He could be quite off-the-wall at times, and it never much mattered to him what others thought because he was his own man. Jeremy possessed a gentle spirit and was always thinking of others before himself. He'd go out of his way to help a stranger and was always considered the "go to guy" who made sure everyone had what they needed. Jeremy lived fully and completely at every opportunity, and for this, those who knew and loved Jeremy can be thankful. Forever loved, he will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed.Jeremy Ryan Walters, 21, a St. Charles native currently living in Preston, died Saturday, September 5th in a two vehicle accident near Rochester. Survivors include his parents, Rick and Lori of St. Charles; brother Jordan (Emily Hoffman) of St. Charles; his girlfriend, Emily Shank of Preston; paternal grandparents, Van and Gloria Walters of Colchester, VT; maternal grandmother, Ione Thorson of Chatfield. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Carl Thorson. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, September 11, 2015 at Faith Lutheran Church in Saint Charles with the Reverend Steven McGinley officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Thursday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service-St. Charles, 519 St. Martin Avenue, St. Charles, MN 55972 (507) 932-4100. They may also call one hour before services on Friday at the church. Please sign Jeremy's online guestbook, share a favorite memory or photo of him and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Pallbearers: Jamie Walters, Dion Walters, Garren Walters, Thor Thorson, Brady Mollert, Lance Mollert, Brent Zingler. Honorary Pallbearers: Jordan Walters and Andrew Andersen.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/628338