STORM, Wallace (Wally) (Stormy)

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, February 24, 2010, p. A-6 Wallace “Wally” “Stormy” Storm went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 24. Wally was a former resident of 26 years in the Wickenburg area and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wickenburg. He moved to Sun City in 2004 and became an associate member of Fountain of Life Lutheran Church. Wally was an international recording artist and was one of the last of the big-band crooners. Wally was born March 14, 1927 in Mitchell, S.D., to Ada and Louis Storm. As a youth, he sang with Paul Whiteman at the world’s only Corn Palace in Mitchell, S.D. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. After returning to civilian life, he returned to his love of music, singing with big bands. He auditioned for “Stairway to Stardom” with Cedric Adams of MPLS.MN, Arthur Godfrey, “Talent Scouts” NY, and Fred Waring. When notified of his acceptance, Wally was on the road with other big bands, and the appearance date had already passed. He then went on to own a tavern and bowling alley, beer-bar, farms, and had his own insurance agency in Wisconsin. Wally moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1973, where he met and married LaVerne Schenk (his real estate agent). LaVerne signed him up for a senior star search in Sun City, Ariz., and he won first place. Wally has performed several times at Phoenix Symphony Hall, performed for more than four years on TBN National Television, at the Sun Dome in Sun City, and much more. Over the years, he has recorded more than 20 albums, big band, Gospel, and Country music. His music is heard extensively in the United States and Europe. His Gospel songs have been on the top 40 charts several times. The Wally Storm Ministries, founded in 1977, have shared the Gospel in many churches throughout the country. After moving to Wickenburg in 1978, he became involved with Gold Rush Days and the Blue Grass Festival, and also sang patriotic songs for the Fourth of July. He enjoyed doing this for more than 17 years. Wally and LaVerne are co-founders of “Wally Storm and his Recycled Teenagers,” a group consisting of dancers from 64 to 75 years of age, all “recycled.” The troupe performed all over the valley, in churches, retirement centers, R.V. parks, and wherever asked to perform. He had a radio program here in Wickenburg on KBSZ 1250 AM for several years called “Ordinary People,” a Gospel program on Sundays, and “Down Memory Lane,” with big band, Country and Gospel music on Mondays. His many CDs, records and cassettes will carry on his love for music. We will all miss seeing him and sharing his love for music. Wally is survived by his wife LaVerne, sister Kathryn Rempp, and daughters Sandy Berry and LaVerne Rizzo, sons William Schenk Jr., Thomas and George Pesanka; seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by son James Schenk, and grandson Dustin Schenk Rizzo. Memorial services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church Sunday (Feb. 28) at 2 p.m. Arrangements are by David’s Desert Chapel Funeral Home