Shortly after Walt wrote home, an opportunity came up for his father to sell the farm and move to
Phoenix, Arizona. The weather would be better for him there. Soon, Walt was back home helping his
family pack and move. His parents purchased two duplexes, renting them out while living in one unit
themselves. William, a younger son, took over helping his parents in the Phoenix area. That allowed
Walt time to pursue Bible training at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He wrote on his application
to Wheaton, “My desire is that He may always be preeminent in my life.”
1945 - Walt - High School Graduation.
(Photos Courtesy of Bill Wagner)
1954 - Walt - Wheaton College Graduation.
(L-R) Edna, Walt, Margret, Sam
While waiting for his acceptance, he helped with the wheat harvest in various places in the country.
Soon he received word that he was accepted into Wheaton. He returned to the Chicago area, also taking
up odd jobs in the fruit and vegetable fields. Eventually he worked for an air-conditioning company. All
this work helped Walt pay his way through college. The largest share of his tuition came from a job at
the Copeland Construction Company.
Through-out his college years, Walt studied hard. He didn’t show any interest in girls, but he developed
a passion for running. Soon he found himself becoming a respected long distance runner at Wheaton
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