Obituary of Walt Ernest Eller

Walt Ernest Eller passed away at home peacefully of old age surround by his loving family. Walt was born in Escalon, California, to Swiss Immigrants, Joseph and Elizabeth Eller, whom emigrated from Switzerland. When growing up he worked on the small family farm and at the age of 16 he decided milking cows was not for him, and he joined the Navy. He served in the Navy for six years and was in Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941 serving on the U.S.S. Bagley. After his Navy term, he was a police officer for the City of Ceres, Ca & then was with the American Automobile Association, as a claims adjuster. Walt always had a strong personality and the strong determination to "Do It Walt's Way." Thus, in 1956 he founded his own business Walt Eller Trailer Sales of Merced, with his wife Dorothy by his side, the two of them proceeded to open several trailer sales lots in the San Joaquin Valley, as far North as Redding Ca. Walt loved and enjoyed the trailer sales business and during his life time spoke of that era often, an era that he held deep to his heart. In 1964 Walt & Dorothy purchased their first Mobile Home Park in Soquel, Ca and thereafter Walt Built and owned other Mobile Home Parks. Then in 1974 converted the business to residential and commercial rentals, and enjoyed his Real Estate developments & the Construction of many of these investment properties. His Real Estate development and construction projects were another era of his life that he enjoyed and especially the days on his D-8 Dozer or Backhoe. He developed the family compound which he referred to as "The Ranch", he loved the Ranch, and for Walt it was his heaven on Earth. Walt was a giant of a man with a strong determination, very hard working, thus, Walt was very successful at whatever endeavor he pursued. Business was Walt's passion and he enjoyed it so very much. Walt also enjoyed fishing, traveling, and traveling in his motor home was his favorite. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, and a member of the Scottish Rite, Shrine Club and Elks Club. He operated the family business with his Wife Dorothy, Patti his daughter & John & Michael his sons, & Coult his son-law. Walt loved his family and to him his greatest legacy. His survivors are his Wife & Business Partner Dorothy Mary Eller, Walt & Dorothy have been married for 64 years, his Daughter Patti Rae Eller Robb, Sons John Martin Eller & Michael Walter Eller, Granddaughter Katelyn Eller Robb, and Son In Law-Coult Robb and Daughter in Law Ruth Eller and his beloved April his Boston Terrier. A heart filled thank you to Dr. Thanh Vu, Md & Staff & Dr. Raj Singh, and Dr. Steven Roberts, MD., Dominican Home Health visiting nurses and Walt's five care providers who all gave him excellent care. Funeral services will be held at Santa Cruz Memorial Mission Chapel 1927 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, Ca on Saturday May 17th, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Walt will be laid to rest at the onsite Mausoleum. In lieu of Flowers contributions can be made to St Joseph Indian School, P.O. Box 326, Chamberlain, SD, 57326, Shiners hospital for Children 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, Ca 95817, Good Shepherd Catholic School 2727 Mattison Lane, Santa Cruz, Ca 95065.