Walter H. Schierioth

Walter H. Schierioth, known to many as Walt (or “Wally” to special friends), passed away on April 13, 2026, in Colorado Springs, CO, at age 82 due to complications from stage 3 melanoma. He and his wife Phyllis were approaching their 59th wedding anniversary on June 24th. 

Walt was born on November 4, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the only child of Gerda and Walt Schierioth Sr. He was one of the “Salt Lake City Quints,” a group of babies born at the same hour who shared birthday celebrations for years. He grew up in the family bakery his grandfather built, a place that sparked his lifelong love of baking and hard work. 

He attended Madison School and later graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, he went on to pursue a career in the family tradition of baking and completed formal baking education at Dunwoody in Minneapolis and the American Institute of Baking in Chicago. His career took him from small bakeries to product development roles with International Milling, Sysco Foods, and the Pillsbury Company. 

Married in Franklin, MN on June 24, 1967, after a whirlwind romance, Walt and Phyllis spent their lives traveling internationally, appreciating local culture, and collecting artwork from the places they visited. They also welcomed many adopted pets over the years, and Walt especially cherished the kitty cats who were constant companions throughout his life. 

Their daughter, Katie, traveled west every year from Wisconsin and has fond memories of time spent with her dad in his favorite places — the red rock canyons of Moab, UT and in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. 

Walt was known for his deep love of history and great storytelling of his epic adventures. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the regions he cared about most, especially the great American West, and took pride in serving as ‘tour guide’ to the places and stories that shaped his life. He loved fishing, hiking, and found great sanctuary amongst the wilderness. 

He is survived by his wife Phyllis (77) and daughter, Katie (45). He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. 

Walt will be interred at the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration Columbarium in Colorado Springs, CO. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Walt’s favorite local charities, the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region: hsppr.org/donate/tribute-giving/tribute-giving-donation.