Dr. Walter VanHelder, M.D., Ph.D.

June 29th, 2024

Dr. Walter VanHelder, M.D., Ph.D., and 8th Degree Judo Black Belt, passed away June 29, 2024, with his family by his side.

Walter is survived by his wife of 43 years, his two children, his two grandchildren, his brother, and his beloved cats.

Walter dedicated his life to improving the lives of those around him. He was a loving family man. He shared his passion and vast knowledge with others in the sport of Judo. He cared for generations of families in his community as their family physician. He contributed to the advancement of medicine with his research and as a medical professor. Walter was a dreamer and accomplished everything he set his mind to: moving to a new country, building successful medical practices, speaking eight languages, obtaining his pilot’s license, publishing a book about his cats, becoming an Arizona Ranger, building a successful martial arts dojo and producing countless national and international champions, becoming an international Judo referee, and creating a legacy and extended family through his love of Judo. Through his life’s accomplishments, Walter built a strong foundation of love and support for his family and friends to remember forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 5pm to 8pm at Legacy Funeral Home, 1374 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, Arizona 85225. All are welcome, and his family would love to hear people share their favorite memories of Walter.

We Entrusted Dr. Walter VanHelder's Care To

Legacy Funeral Home - Chandler

Legacy Funeral Home began over 20 years ago and has been a compassionate pillar of support for Phoenix, Gilbert, Tempe, and the surrounding areas since its establishment. Legacy is dedicated to honoring the community's diverse needs by offering a comprehensive range of customizable plans and services. Our facilities accommodate incense burning and offer a variety of memorial items and keepsakes to create a personalized tribute that resonates with the uniqueness of each individual's life. Our Spanish-speaking staff is committed to fostering clear communication and understanding, providing comfort to families in their preferred language. We stand ready to guide your family through the delicate process of saying farewell.

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(480) 207-2286

When words can't fully express what we want to say, sometimes a small gift can. Visit our Memorial Store for personalized gifts, keepsake jewelry and to plant a memorial tree.

Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Dr. Walter’s life with a heartfelt message.

Don Miller

Walter was my best friend he coached my sons in judo and was a great friend to me for decades I can’t begin to convey how much I will miss philosophizing with him about everything He was a brilliant man who helped me expand my thinking and widen my view I will miss him greatly And I convey my condolences to his Wife Angie and son Michael ,Daughter Julia and Walter’s Grandchildren

Published August 30th, 2024

Patti B

Dearest Julia and family. I am so very sorry to hear that Walter has left us all. I know how much you love and will miss your dad. I'm glad he got to meet his beautiful granddaughters. You were a blessing in his life. Keep the memories in your heart. Sending you much love. Aunt Patti

Published August 21st, 2024

Ryan Miller

I’m so sorry to hear of Dr. Walter’s passing. He was an important figure to my family, everyone always spoken highly and had kind words to say about him. He will be dearly missed.

Published August 24th, 2024

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