Magel Irma (Hamm) Walo was born on October 12, 1938, in Chatfield, Minnesota, to Ruth (Duppary) and Jacob Hamm and passed to eternal resting on January 4, 2026.  The eldest of five children, Magel learned early the values that would shape her life—hard work, faith, and caring for others—while growing up on the family farm.  She graduated from Eyota High School in 1956 and went on to attend St.  Cloud State University, earning her degree in Elementary Education in 1959, beginning a lifelong calling to teach.

While teaching in St. Paul, Minnesota, Magel met William Edward Walo.  They were married on August 1, 1964, in St. Paul Minnesota.   Bill's career led them first to Washington, D.C., where he worked at the Pentagon and Magel taught elementary school, and later to Nashwauk, Minnesota, where they made their home on Little McCarthy Lake from 1966 to 1979.

Magel was a devoted mother to two sons, William Edward Walo II, born in 1966, and Matthew David Walo, born in 1968.  Family life revolved around the lake—swimming, water skiing, fishing, ice skating, and snowmobiling—along with active involvement in church.  Their home was filled with friends and family, enticed by Magel's baking fresh homemade bread and her specialty, pies.  As foster parents, Magel and Bill welcomed many children into their lives, living out their faith by loving generously.  There was always room for one more at Magel's table.

In 1979, following Magel's famous declaration that she was "done with the cold," the family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they lived for nearly three decades.  Magel continued teaching at the Las Vegas Day School until her retirement.  A lifelong Lutheran, she and Bill were active members of Christ Lutheran Church, serving faithfully, including as Stephen Ministers.  During these years, Magel discovered and cultivated her artistic talents in china painting and scrapbooking, creating treasured keepsakes and beloved annual Christmas ornaments.  Her creativity, patience, and love were evident in every piece she made.

Retirement brought new adventures.  Magel traveled extensively, both with Bill and on her own, and her love for children found new expression through mission work with Children of Peace International, serving in orphanages in Vietnam.  In 2000, she fully embraced her favorite new role—Grandma—to Katherine and Jacob, babysitting, planning adventures, and creating lifelong memories.

In 2006, Magel and Bill moved to Caldwell, Idaho, living next door to their son Matt.  There, her family grew with the addition of grandchildren Grady and Sawyer.  Being close to family brought her deep joy.  She continued her artistic pursuits, formed lasting friendships, and faithfully served others through Meals on Wheels and the church food pantry, living her faith through service.
Travel and learning remained passions throughout her retirement, as Magel and Bill journeyed across the United States, reconnecting with the many family members and friends who they had met during their long marriage.

In 2019, they moved to Keizer, Oregon, settling at Willamette Lutheran Retirement Center.  Magel quickly became involved in crafts, social groups, and continued refining her china painting and scrapbooking.  After Bill's passing in 2022, Magel carried on with grace and faith—traveling to visit her sons and grandchildren, taking painting classes, and creating beautiful handmade cards that reflected her love for others.
Magel had a gift for friendship.  Strangers quickly became friends, and friends became family.  Her phone calls—beginning with her signature "Hell-o" and ending with "Good-bye, now"—were small blessings that left hearts lighter.  She had a quiet way of slipping into lives and making them better, often without realizing the depth of her impact.

Magel trusted in her Savior and now rests in the promise of eternal life.  She was preceded in death by her husband, William Edward Walo.  She is survived by her sons, William (Karen) and Matthew; her grandchildren, Katherine, Jacob, Grady, and Sawyer; and her siblings Daniel (Cheryl) Hamm, Lucille (Larry) Larsen, Debbie Connolly, and Joel (Nancy) Hamm.

Interment will take place at Christ Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, in August, when all four grandchildren will be together in the United States.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children of Peace International (ChildrenOfPeace.org) or to a children's charity of your choice.