Walter Dennis Mitterlehner
Walter Dennis Mitterlehner, 90, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, November 19, 2025. He was born on November 24, 1934, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Willder Embry and Walter Mitterlehner.
Dennis graduated from Byrd High School, attended University of Southern Louisiana at Lafayette, graduating from Oklahoma City University. He married the love of his life on August 18, 1956, and they raised five children together. Dennis wanted his children to see the country, and that is what we did in a tiny travel trailer. He was known for traveling way out of the way to see a special tree or anything historical.
Dennis started his career at Conoco in Westlake, Louisiana. Then he continued his career at Mobil Chemical in Beaumont, Texas. His career as a Safety Director took him all over the world including two 3-year stints in Saudi Arabia, allowing Dennis and Jeanette to visit all seven continents and many countries. Dennis also taught 8 different classes at Lamar University, was instrumental in getting the Beaumont Fire Academy training location, volunteered with Boy Scouts, Red Cross, Boys’ Haven, and United Way. He was a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers and President of Sabine Neches Chiefs’ Association. Upon retiring, Dennis and Jeanette moved to Brenham, where they enjoyed looking out at their trees and watching the deer that wandered through the property. They kept very busy with their beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, traveling extensively in their RV, and enjoying making new friends.
Dennis’ favorite memories included the trips they took with each of his eight grandchildren. His oldest grandson summed up his grandparents perfectly when he said, “I want to be just like Mawmaw and Grumpy when I grow up, adventuresome.” Dennis was very involved in the community becoming the Washington County Emergency Manager and a member of Rotary. He helped build the gazebo found in the Barbara Bush Rose Garden at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-nine years, Jeanette Hawkins Mitterlehner; children, Cheryl Adams (Rick); Catherine Spidle (Bill); Mark Mitterlehner (Kimberly); and Carole Moreno (Oscar); grandchildren, Kristin Davis (Chris); Brian Adams; Will Spidle; Walter Spidle (Brittany); Grant Mitterlehner; Reagan Mitterlehner; Lauren Jeffrey (Madison); and Alexandra Moreno; great-grandchildren, Knox Adams, Palmer Kate Davis, Ryan Ellington Davis, Cooper Adams, Mary Crawford Davis, Driver Davis, Winston Spidle, Savannah Spidle, Watson Spidle, and Shepherd Spidle; brother-in-law, Jess Gillard; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mike Mitterlehner; and siblings, Edward Mitterlehner (Nancy) and Betty Waterfallen (Jim).
A gathering of Mr. Mitterlehner’s family and friends will begin at 2:00 p.m., with his memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
so sorry for your loss .
Gary and I were so lucky to have Dennis and Jeanette as Brenham neighbors. One of our fondest memories is caravanning in our RV’s to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and other areas of Arizona. We really got to know each other on that trip.
Anytime Gary couldn’t fix something. I always got gary motivated to do a difficult DIY when I would say “well Dennis can do it” AND Dennis often was recruited with a smile. Always the helpful neighbor
Our sympathies to your family on your loss. Sandi and Gary Appelt
Carole and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I know he will be truly missed.
I am so sad to hear this.
May he Rest In Peace and memories sustain your family.
Judi Benoit
RIP Uncle Dennis, I loved our discussions about anything engineering. You always had a smile and a good word! I love you Aunt Net, Cheryl, Cathy, Mark and Carol and will keep you all in my prayers.
We so love this family a pray for God arms around all of you to give you strength thru this time. Love you
Lynda Liggio and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Mitterlehner family. We remember fondly our RVing days with Jeanette and Dennis, always laughing and joking. Dennis never saw a problem with our RVs that he wouldn’t tackle and kept all our members up to date on various issues, safety always his #1 priority. Rest in Peace Dennis, a big hug Jeanette.
Dear Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father, such a great man.
I will always cherish our family memories with all of you.
Please give your mom our love, from the Liggio family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers 🙏
My heart is heavy for your entire family. He was a man of strength, kindness, and wisdom. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
May you feel surrounded by love, comfort, and peace as you hold onto the beautiful memories. Hugs to you all.
To Mrs. Mitterlehner and the Family, My sincere condolences. Peace be with you all during this time. I have such fond memories of Mr. Mitterlehner as a husband, father, and friend, and always had the most upmost respect for the man he was. With out a doubt our Lord and Savior will greet him with this Mathew 25:21 “Well done, good and faithful servant. God bless you all!
Cathy,
Peace and prayers to your family including your dear Mom. I have enjoyed your previous pictures posted of special times with your Dad.
Precious memories for you all.
Love and prayers to all and may he rest in peace.
Prayers for you and your family Cathy…what a special Dad you lost. 🙏💔
By heart breaks for you all! A truly Great Man has moved on! My sincerest condolences to you all!