Wallace Loren Potter, age 90 of Lakeville, MN passed away peacefully with family at his side on May 11, 2025. Wally was born on September 13, 1934, to Maurice and Edna Potter. Wally was the oldest of two boys, big brother to Jim whom he shared a special bond with. He attended grammar school and high school in Windom, MN.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Ardyce of 53 years and son Randy. He is survived by 5 children: Rory (Judy), Rick (Janine), Danny (Susan), Laurie (Jim) Lee, and Brad Potter; 9 grandchildren: Kevin, Molly (Rico), Mitch (Teresa), Jamie (Christian), Staci, Mathew, Luke, Jake (Hannah), and Jordyn; 7 great-grandchildren: Leon, Vanessa, Keegan, Quincy Wallace, Genevieve, Oliver, and Norah; also by brother Jim (Kathy).

He entered the Navy just shy of his 18th birthday in 1952. He was stationed in Key West, FL and Green Cove Springs, FL on the St. John's River and finished out his service there. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1955. Soon after, he met, fell in love with, and married Ardyce Maureen Olson on December 29, 1956. They resided in Minneapolis where he enrolled in Dunwoody Industrial Institute, earning a degree in HVAC in 1957. In 1967, after working at a few different mechanical engineering companies, he was one of three partners to found the company Walters Climate, Inc., where he worked until his retirement in 2001.

In 1960, he and Ardyce moved to Eagan, MN with their two young sons Rory (1957) and Randy (1959). They soon added two more sons Ricky (1960) and Danny (1962), a daughter Laurie (1965), and another son Bradley (1969).

Wally, as everyone knew him, was very involved with the communities he lived in, giving much of his time volunteering for various committees with the church and city. While in Eagan, he helped start the first fire station by arranging the purchase of "Jenny", the first fire engine, from the University of Minnesota in 1963. He was named Eagan's Young Man of the Year at age 27.

Wally and Ardyce purchased a hobby farm in Lakeville on Lake Marion and moved there with their six children in 1971. He enjoyed gardening, spending time on the lake, camping, golfing, road trips, and of course, his John Deere tractor. He once again immersed himself and became a big part of the Lakeville community by volunteering on various committees with St. John's Lutheran Church, Lake Marion Association, the Lakeville Area Arts Center, and the Lakeville Area Historical Society. He served on the Lakeville Property Commission, St. John's Church Council, the Arts Center Board, and Heritage Center Project. He dedicated himself to the community, but most importantly, he was devoted to his family. He was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Son, Brother, and Friend. He rarely missed a sporting event or concert for his kids or grandkids, always their #1 fan! He provided a beautiful life for his family and will be missed beyond measure.

Funeral Service will be held 11 AM Friday May 16, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 20165 Heath Ave., Lakeville, with a visitation on Thursday (5/15) from 4-8 PM at the White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Tr., Lakeville, and 1hr prior to service at church. In lieu of Flowers Memorial will be donated to the Lakeville Historical Society.

Faithful, loving, kind, selfless, strong, and funny. That was Wally. He is now at peace, reunited with the love of his life, and in the loving arms of the Lord.

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