Margret Walter

Margret W. Walter, age 90, of Edgewood, KY, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025.

Born on September 21, 1934, in Hilkenbrook, Germany, Margret was the beloved daughter ofthe late Nikolaus and Christina Helmer; beloved wife of the late Karl Walter; beloved sister to Christina Book and the late Walburga “Burga” Kappen and Heinrich Helmer; and beloved “Tante Margret” to so many in Germany and the United States, including Gregor Kappen, Sandra Kappen, Marlene Hanneken, Wilhelm Book, Helga Gründemann, Hans Werner Book, Heinz Helmer, Martin Helmer, Andreas Helmer, Reinhard Helmer, and Birgit and Gerhard Lutz.

Margret was known for her boundless generosity, spirited personality, and unwavering loyalty. She followed Burga’s lead and moved to the U.S. in the 1960s, where she met and married Karl (a fellow German) and took a job with a westside Cincinnati family where she was cherished across generations. She was exuberant, strong-willed, selfless to a fault, and had a loud, joyful presence that filled every room.

Though her formal education ended in the eighth grade, Margret led a rich and vibrant life. She and Karl proudly embraced their German heritage. Together, they were active members of the Kolping Society and Old St. Mary’s Church, attending German Mass regularly. Known for occasionally mixing English and German in what became lovingly known as “Margretisch,” she never lost touch with her roots.

Margret loved to travel—whether cruises, spas, or visiting her family in Northern Germany or Karl’s in Central Germany—and she delighted in retail therapy. She made friends everywhere she went, and cherished outings with them (where she insisted on treating everyone). Favorite restaurants included Greyhound Tavern, Oriental Wok, Skyline Chili, LaRosa’s, and Burger King.

She was a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, Notre Dame football, and hockey. Margret also had a great love for dogs, especially her beloved Fancy (a Yorkie) and Alex (a Lhasa Apso), and dogs without exception loved her back.

Her caregivers remember her as someone who woke up with a big smile, regardless of her condition. She was one of the most selfless individuals they had ever met—always giving, never asking.

Visitation will be held on Sunday June 8 from 4-5 PM at Linnemann Funeral Home, followed by a Catholic blessing. She will be buried next to her parents in her family’s plot in Hilkenbrook, Germany. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Best Day Ever Foundation https://www.bestdayeverfoundation.us and/or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in loving memory of her grandniece Sophia Kappen.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com.