Walter C. Davidson

Funeral Assistant

The position of serving part-time at a funeral home was a job Walter pictured himself doing in retirement after his many years of working with funeral directors in the greater Wausau area. When the vision for Ascend became a reality, Executive Director Lucas Gajewski sought out Walter to serve as his funeral assistant. Walter says the position at Ascend really found him. 

“I’ve been around death my whole ministry. It can bring so much pain. My main task is to assist Ascend in taking care of families,” he says. “If I can help make their grieving process easier by ensuring the funeral arrangements by the Ascend team go exactly as the family planned, then I’ve achieved my goal.”

Walter comes to Ascend after 42 years as a Lutheran pastor. He cared for families in preparations, during and after loss. Now he is able to bring his experience and compassion in a different capacity. He was meant for the role of a funeral assistant. His experience enabled him to become a part of this Ascend team which he describes as a family all working together with the same goal of providing care for grieving families.

“Ascend has established a high standard of comfort, care, and compassion,” he says. “It’s truly like a home. We’re here to make the process of what families are going through easier when loss happens and anticipate the individualized care each loss requires.”

In addition to providing assistance to the funeral directors, Walter is able to provide spiritual care should a person desire that. Being able to continue serving the community in this way has been a natural fit. Walter served as pastor at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Schofield from 1995-2020. Prior to that, he served churches in Iowa and Minnesota. The Wausau area has become his home. He and his wife raised their five children here and continue to be active in their church and community. 

Walter’s presence at Ascend provides comfort for those who have known him in the community. His familiarity and experience create a calm and trusting environment. He encourages families not to be afraid to come into the funeral home for pre-planning. Having your funeral arrangements in place will make the process much easier on your family, when they are struggling with their grief.