Walter Bard Obituary, Death – Marquette resident Walter Zane Bard, 84, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022, as a result of complications from a car accident. Walter and Marie (Addison) Bard welcomed Zane into the world on July 6, 1938, in Lapeer, Michigan. He attended Michigan Technological University after graduating from Lapeer High School before transferring to Northern Michigan University to earn his teaching credentials. Later, he obtained two master’s degrees in education, one of them at Versoix, Switzerland. As a student, he first encountered Carole Rheault, the love of his life, and six days after she received her NMU degree on June 13, 1964, they were wed. Zane worked as a teacher at Manistique High School before accepting a job offer from the Department of Defense to instruct high school students in the Dependent School System for two years in Catania, Sicily, and two years in Frankfurt, Germany.
He was hired by the Marquette School System after his return to the United States and a year of graduate study at Syracuse University. He taught mathematics in MSHS until his retirement in 1997. Many, many pupils still remember Zane as the best instructor they ever had. He was a gifted educator. Zane and Carole both enjoyed traveling. Their travel experiences included a picture safari in Africa, and excursions to South America, which included stops at Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands, Australia, Japan, and other nations in Europe. In addition, they went on numerous excursions to American National Parks, including “Elderhostel” excursions with the kids. However, they preferred to travel to Rabbit Bay, where they had bought a “camp” in 1976.
Zane enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father-in-law “Will,” brother-in-law George, nephew Adam, and closest friend Frank Patterson. He was an avid angler in his youth. The couple owned numerous cats and dogs, and Zane usually carried dog treats with him when he went on walks. Zane adored animals. They provided food for the deer, wild birds, squirrels, and bunnies who frequented their yard. Zane participated actively in First United Methodist Church (now Hope UMC), serving as a liturgist, children’s time host, Stephen Minister, usher, host of Fellowship Time, and greeter. Zane had a strong commitment to his wife, kids, and grandchildren. He enjoyed learning new things and reading. He also enjoyed hiking, especially with the North Country Trail Hikers. He belonged to the Northern Center for Lifelong Learning and spent many years as an active member of the Negaunee Rod and Gun Club. He also spent many years on the board of the Marquette Community Federal Credit Union.
He adored poetry, including his own, and he liked music, especially country & western, and opera. He gave woodworking a go and used salvaged knotty pine to create a lovely bed. Most importantly, he was regarded as a peaceful, forbearing, and kind man by his numerous friends and relatives. The survivors of Zane include his wife Carole, daughters Kerri Lynn Bard and Stephanie Bard Solis, all of Lansing, Michigan, and Kentwood, Michigan, respectively, as well as several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. His parents, sister Toni, and parents preceded him in death. Donations to UPAWS, the Local Chapter of the North Country Trail, Marquette Hope UMC, or Calumet UMC may be made in lieu of flowers. The date of the memorial service, which will take place in the spring or early summer, will be revealed later.