Wilmer "Wally" Leo Waldman

Wilmer “Wally” Leo Waldman
April 17, 1938 – May 8, 2025

Wilmer “Wally” Leo Waldman passed away peacefully on May 8th at 87, closing a chapter marked by education and service.

Wally was born on a farm outside of Grainfield, Kansas, on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1938. He graduated from Quinter High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Fort Hays State University. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Oregon after earning his Masters in Mathematics from Oregon State University, where he met his future wife, Sue. The two married and shared 56 years together.

Wally began his teaching career at Southern Oregon State College in Ashland before moving with Sue and their two young children, Alan and Deb, to Pendleton, Oregon in 1971. There, he taught mathematics and computer science at Blue Mountain Community College and was involved in shaping the academic community through his participation on numerous committees. He also served as President of the Northwest Council of Computer Educators, helping to support the early integration of technology in education.

Outside the classroom, Wally volunteered his time with several organizations over the years, including the Boy Scouts of America, Pendleton Swim Association, the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Andrew’s Mission Catholic Church, and the Pendleton Senior Center. He took a particular interest in gardening and tracking the stock market.

After Sue’s passing in 2021, Wally and his children established the AAUW Sue Waldman Memorial Special Projects Fund honoring her commitment to supporting women from Eastern Oregon seeking careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) aimed to provide scholarships annually.

Wally is survived by his two children, Alan (Milexa) Waldman and Deb Starkey, and five grandchildren: Sam and Sydney Starkey, and Sara, Paul, and Adam Waldman.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to:
AAUW Sue Waldman Memorial Special Projects Fund, c/o M. Krout, 1214 NW Johns Ave. Pendleton OR 97801 or via Venmo @SueWaldman-