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WATERTOWN, SD--Walter "Wally" L. Brownlee, age 73, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at his residence in Watertown, SD. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Watertown, SD. Pastor Aaron Odya will officiate. Music will be provided by Julie Sulzle as organist. The funeral service will be live-streamed via the church website.
Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a time of sharing starting at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.
Walter "Wally" Brownlee, Jr. was born in Madison, South Dakota, to Walter L. Brownlee and D. Yvonne (Sandburg) Brownlee on April 27, 1953.
Wally married Shirley Olson in Watertown on May 5, 1974, after he roller skated into her life.
Wally was employed by Brownlee Construction of Watertown, SD, and Schwan's of Marshall, MN. In 1995, he started his own business, Target Shooting, Inc. He was a world-class salesman. He loved to talk to people, and anyone he met as a customer soon became a lifelong friend. He was a dedicated Packers fan and enjoyed discussing football with anyone who would listen. Most of all, he enjoyed sharing his faith in Christ and how it impacted his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; brother, Gary Tallman; sister, Toni McCann; granddaughter, Amanda Riefenberger; grandson, Bryan Olson; and nephew, Mike Brownlee.
He is survived by his brothers, Alvin (Carol) Tallman, Rick (Becky) Brownlee, and Randy (Rita) Brownlee; children, Tammy Kindvall, Jerry Olson, Kathie (Gary) Rieffenberger, and Jill Hemiler; son-in-law, Troy Hemiler; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Casual clothing or Green Bay Packers attire is encouraged in his honor.
Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti