Walter John Groller died July 17, 2023, at his home in Whitehall. He was the husband of Marilyn (Schweitzer) Groller for 67 years.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of John Jr. and Hattie (Hacker) Groller.

He was in the Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War.

He was a professional musician for 72 years until he retired. He was the leader of the Walt Groller Orchestra at age 14. He led Walt Groller Tours including 34 European tours, 27 years of Christmas weekends in the Poconos, 31 cruises and U.S. land tours. He produced more than 30 recordings, did live radio at WKAP for 10 years and produced several shows, including The German Hour on WFMZ’s Radio and Cafe International on television for seven years.

He was, in 1981, a recipient of Austrian Cross of Recognition from the Burgenland government and of a Diploma of Honor from the Robert Stolz Society. He was inducted into the Polka Music Hall of Fame, was a member of the International Polka Association and was nominated for a Grammy Award for his recording “Polkamatic.”

He received a Gold Cross from the Republic of Austria, recognizing his work in keeping the Austrian heritage alive, the European American Music Award Lifetime Achievement Award and a Cross of Appreciation from Burgenland, Austria. He was awarded certificates of honor from former presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and many state and local awards. He has a Lifetime Achievement Award and was a Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame recipient. He received the Linny Award for Performing Artist of the Year.

He was a member of the American Legion and Catholic War Veterans.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Thomas and his wife Judy, Anita and husband Michael Patterson and Joseph and wife Ellen; three grandchildren, Christi and husband Zack Farr, Broc Groller and Alex Groller; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Dolores and her husband Dr. Edward Krupa; nieces; and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, William.

Contributions may be made to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, P.O. Box 200989, Dallas, TX 75320-0989; or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Arrangements were made by Brubaker Funeral Home Inc., Coplay.