Walter George Wescott

Walter "Wally" George Wescott

Died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his son, Todd Wescott; his parents, Walter  and Alice (Crisham) Wescott; and his sisters, Lucille Creps Pfaltzgraff and Marie Ruzicka. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rosalie “Rosie” (Hunt) Wescott; his four children, Alesia (Robert) Metry, Stacey (Brian Peterson) Wescott, Amy (Douglas Gilbert) Wescott, and Kurt (Jennifer Ingersoll) Wescott; as well as eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who affectionately remember him as “Boompa”.

Wally was born on February 23, 1935, in Willernie, Minnesota, and spent his early years attending Mahtomedi and Snail Lake elementary schools, followed by Cretin and Monroe high schools. He went on to earn a degree in Education from St. Thomas College in 1957. His career in education began as a playground director at St. Clair and Palace parks, during which time he met his beloved wife-to-be Rosie Wescott. 

Soon after, he found his calling teaching math and language arts at St. Luke’s Catholic School. During his 25 years there, he profoundly shaped the lives of his students. Those who sat in his classroom remember both his humor and his heart. Former student Jenifer Grayson Juergens wrote, “He had a way of connecting with us, using humor and just being his creative self, relating to kids at their level. It was fantastic to feel seen, heard, and included. We all had a blast in math class because he made it FUN!” Known for occasionally hurling chalk or erasers to regain his students’ wandering attentions, Wally balanced discipline with genuine care—seeing each pupil as an individual and never giving up on anyone.

That same energy carried into his life beyond the classroom. Wally’s passion for sports was constant, and he devoted himself as an athletic director, referee, and coach for numerous teams. He left a lasting impact on countless young athletes, and listed among his proudest accomplishments coaching Christie D’Parq to three consecutive State Championships, as well as coaching future Hall of Famers Paul Molitor and Jack Morris. Morris, a three-time World Series champion and 1991 Twins hero, once said, “We had great coaches, motivating coaches. We could all name names. Mine was Wally Wescott.”

In 1977, Wally and Rosie opened Wescott Station Antiques with the support of their sons Todd and Kurt. The shop quickly became a beloved local fixture, known for its unique finds, fair pricing, and welcoming spirit. On any given day, its doors were open to people from all walks of life—from musicians performing at the Xcel Energy Center to devoted sports fans, tourists, hospital workers, and those simply in need of a place to belong. All were greeted with warmth and treated as part of the community Wally and Rosie built.

Service to others remained a constant theme throughout Wally’s life, as he was always rooting for the underdog. A passionate philanthropist, he supported at-risk and underprivileged youth and families, and he gave his time generously to the West 7th Boys Club. He was also a familiar presence at Assumption Church, where he lit candles for a long list of people he held close in his heart. Those small acts reflected the larger truth of his life—the steady light and kindness he offered to others, and the positivity he spread wherever he went. 

Wally also cherished his many friendships, especially his buddy Tim McNeil, with whom he exchanged weekly handwritten letters for over 30 years, and his “Lunch Bunch,” a group that met weekly at DiGidios. He will be dearly missed by many.

Visitation is from 3 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, O’Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home (575 Snelling Ave. S., St Paul) and 1 hour before his Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, at Assumption Catholic Church (51 W. 7th Street, St. Paul). Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to West 7th Street Boys Club (377 Schletty Lane, West St. Paul, MN 55118), or Sharing & Caring Hands (525 N. 7th Street, Minneapolis MN 55405). 

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