Walter Babich, 83
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 1 month, 1 week AGO
Babich
July 27, 1942 — Oct. 23, 2025
Walter Babich, 83, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Oct. 23, 2025, and was survived by his beloved wife, Anna, of 31 years. Devoted father of four children: Stephen, wife Steena; Lynn, fiancé Tom Hanslin; Gina, husband Jason Buckley; and Diana. Loving grandfather to Gabriel and uncle to Eugene.
Born in Elizabeth, N.J., Walter was raised in nearby Roselle by his mother, Ann. While he never met his father, Walter, who passed away shortly before his birth, he grew up with his deceased older siblings: sister Andrea Dabrowski; brothers Danny, Bobby and Jimmy O’Brien.
Walter attended Fairleigh Dickinson University on a full academic scholarship and played basketball for four years. After graduating in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in economics, he spent four decades working as a real estate project manager for the federal government in New York City. His family called the New Jersey suburbs home before moving to Idaho upon his retirement in 2007.
Walter was a lifelong Yankees fan who loved playing and watching both baseball and basketball. He also enjoyed traveling the world, taking walks with his wife, eating different cuisines, reading books and watching the birds on his deck with a view of the lake.
As someone who grew up without a father, Walter found tremendous fulfillment in being a dad. Some of his greatest joys were cheering for his children during their sports games and cooking breakfast for the family.
The Babich family will receive relatives and friends Thursday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc, 4772 E. Poleline Ave., Post Falls, for a Requiem Mass celebrating Walter’s life and faith as an active member of the parish. The burial will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery, 226 S. 23rd St. Coeur d’Alene.
Visitation at St. Joan of Arc will be Wednesday, Oct. 29, between 4 and 6 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 5 p.m.
Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.