Walter Henry Pickup Jr.

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Walter Henry Pickup Jr. was born in Albany, NY, August 14, 1938 and departed this life to be with the Lord on February 14, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 64 years Julia Ann (Boland) Pickup, four loving children: Terri Robinson (Greg), Walter Edward (Darlene), Calvin Jay (Diana), Kreea Ashton (Tim), dear brother: Donald (late Barbara) Pickup, numerous cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Walter served in the United States Navy during the Cold War. Upon his discharge from the service he married Julia, became a deeply committed Christian, and began studies to become a minister in the Reformed Church in America. After graduation from Hope College and Western Theological Seminary he served as pastor of Greenleafton Reformed Church in Greenleafton, MN, Crete Reformed Church in Crete, IL, and Riverside Community Church in Hammond, IN, before becoming Director of Pastoral Care at Oak Forest Hospital in Oak Forest, IL, a position he served for 18 years.
Walter enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, gardening, reading, writing, was a published author, and a proud recipient of several Shula and Rod Tidwell awards in the family football pool.
A Memorial Visitation will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. until time of the Memorial Service at 3:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Samaritan’s Purse PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607 appreciated. For further information, please call 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com