Founding Member of Community Band Dies

Whitefish Bay's Walter Just had a love for music.

When the Whitefish Bay Community Band first formed 26 years ago, Just – a tuba player – was one of the band's original members, along with founders Wade Mosby, Tom Mohr and George Hardy.

Hardy, a fellow 90-year-old tuba player, remembered Just for his commitment to the band.

"Wally has made tremendous contributions all the way along the line," Hardy said. "He was one of the key members."

Just died Wednesday at the age of 90. As a symbol of his love for the band, he has requested that all memorials be made to the Whitefish Bay Community Band – the organization closest to his heart.

At the age of 90 Walter died peacefully with his family at his side on Wednesday. 

Just was also a veteran, serving as a U.S. Army Sergeant during World War II and earning several honors during his participation in the liberation of Italy. He worked for 30 years in advertising sales at The Milwaukee Journal.

Walter leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Jan Just. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Antoinette. Walter was the proud father of Judy (Richard) Jakes, Jim (Lynn) Just, Joan Just, Jerry (Beth) Just, Jackie (Brad) Hinke, Nann (Sam) Anderson, Jane (Kenneth) Edwards, Jeanette (Sean) McCarthy and Leah (Steven) Felt. 

He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Walter was the oldest of ten children, of which two brothers and four sisters have died, and is survived by brother, Stanley (Shirley) Just, sister Therese Juszczak and brother Paul (Barbara) Juszczak.