April 21, 1957 — July 19, 2025

If you would like to contribute to the Walter Simons Scholarship Fund to support students with financial need, please click on the button below:

It is with great honor that we are able to communicate this testimonial in memory of my beloved husband, Walter, loving father to his daughters, and the best ‘gramps’ to his 3 grandchildren.

Walter was introduced to Chesterton on or about 2020 and his passion soared from there. His passion for the school was clear when we couldn’t have a conversation about his grandkids’ education without some talk about how he wished for them to have a classical education equal to what Chesterton could provide. His passion for this classical education is what provided his unwavering financial support for Chesterton Academy.

For those that knew Walter, nothing was more important in his life than his family and his catholic faith. As far as family, his title of ‘gramps’ couldn’t make him more proud. As we know, Walter was a ‘big kid’ himself. The bond between him and his grandchildren was inseparable and completely relatable.

Walter and I met participating in community theater. While maybe not completely ‘classical’ in nature, this bond for theater continued our strong connection for me and him by attending Chesterton’s productions over the past few years. The pride that Walter exuded when talking about these shows, and how great this group of students are, was pervasive through any of his communication about the school, teachers and students. If you didn’t know, you would think he was talking about his own children.

Walter’s most passionate and heartfelt conversations was when he was sharing Chesterton information with me and others. When Walter asked about donating to the school, I thought maybe just maybe one of our grandkids could one day be attending high school at Chesterton academy. Once again, his passion was undeniable about seeing Chesterton thrive to be able to get the word out to as many people as possible about this amazing classical education. The joy that this brought for Walter will never go unnoticed.

In honor of Walter’s memory, it brings us joy to continue the donation by providing scholarships for students in need to attend Chesterton. We are hoping this continued donation can provide those that desire this incredible classical education that Walter was so proud to be a part of and continue to help nurture and grow.