"Ski" Garstkiewicz's interests ranged from archery to fishing to jujitsu, in which he had earned a black belt. He loved being an assistant scoutmaster and marching in American Legion parades with his father, a World War II Navy veteran.
In 1966 he graduated from Mastbaum. He worked for a machine drafting and design firm before entering the Army in June 1968. The 21 year old sergeant, a rifleman and light weapons infantryman assigned to Company "C" of the 6th Batallion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, died in Vietnam on January 9, 1970. He was survived by his parents and two younger brothers, both of whom were in the armed forced at the time.
John Self (1968)
He was my friend and I was sorry that he died so young all those years ago!
Gerald Kiesewetter (1966)
THANKS SKI you servered our great country but paid a sad price Rest in Peace from an old friend JERRY KIESEWETTER
Anna Chiglo (O'Hora) (1967)
I did not know Walter but I do thank him for his service. I come from a military family. My thoughts are with all our boys who gave their lives so soon after graduating from Mastbaum.
Jon Theisen (1966)
R.I.P. Ski, you paid the ultimate price for your country and we will never forget you! God bless you.
William Dorn, Sr. (Dorn) (1969)
Sadly, Walt's whole family is gone. I grew up with them all, Walt, Jim, & Bruce & their mom & dad; Sarah & Walt Sr. Sr was a WWII navy vet & shortly after Walt's death in Nam, Jim was in the Army & Bruce was in the Navy. When we were kids we were all in school & church together. Walt always took the leadership roll especially in Scouts. As our troops JR. Assistant Scout Master, Walt & I did our "Order of the Arrow" ordeal together. Long before Walt got really serious about Jiu Jitsu we were in training together where he always took a leading role. No one could have asked for a better friend as a kid. I was devestated while being stationed in Fla. & my mom told me of Walt's death. When I came home on leave for Walt's funeral, it was the first time I felt such a great loss for a close friend. Subsequently, in the ensuing years Jim & Bruce each had medical issues that resulted in their discharges from active service. Today, when passer-byes thank me for my service, I only wish someone from the Garstkiewicz family could hear them!
Rosemary Pyfer (Revell) (1966)
Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace.
Joseph Joseph (1966)
Walt and I were in Mr. Baldwin’s machine design and drafting class together. He was a good friend and loved by all including our instructor Mr. Baldwin who attended his viewing. RIP my friend. Joe Joseph