Walter Paul McGrory

Walter Paul McGrory, 24, beloved son, brother, and friend, passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023, after an inspiring battle with osteosarcoma cancer. Walt was born on February 2, 1999, to parents Matthew and Jean (Shell) McGrory in Des Moines, Iowa. He was baptized at St. Augustin Catholic Church before moving with his family to Minneapolis, MN at age 5. He was educated in Edina Public Schools (Cornelia Elementary School, Southview Middle School, and Edina High School), graduating high school in May 2017 as Edina High School's all-time leading scorer in basketball with 2,126 points. At Edina, Walt played five years of varsity basketball, helping the team win third place in the State Tournament in 2013. Walt continued his education and basketball career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 2017-2021, receiving a bachelor's degree in economics. During his time at UW, Walt was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten student and helped the Badgers win a share of the 2020 Big Ten regular season title and qualify for three NCAA tournaments. Walt was enrolled to play basketball and obtain his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Dakota until his diagnosis with osteosarcoma in August 2021 prevented him from attending. Walt spent the next two and a half years fighting his cancer, inspiring others with his courage, determination, and positive attitude; working in sales at cybersecurity firm FRSecure; and trading crypto assets. Walt attacked his cancer head on. Throughout it all, he stayed upbeat and true to his determined self, refusing to let the cancer affect his spirit no matter how much it progressed in his body. "A broken spirit doesn't stand a chance," he would say, as he faced every challenge and endured physical adversities and indignities. While his body ultimately succumbed to the cancer, his spirit remained untouched and intact. Walt found a deeper purpose and meaning as a result of his experience—to be a positive example and help others heal and fight adversity in their lives. He leaves a lasting legacy of inspiration and hope. Walt loved competition and the pursuit of mastery. No matter what he was doing, he wanted to do it to the best of his ability and he put in the long tedious hours to make his goals a reality. He made many life-long friends and mentors playing football, basketball, and baseball. He was always looking for ways to improve his health and athletic performance. He was intense in his pursuits, but a kind and gentle goofball in his life. He never took himself too seriously and he never wanted to be the center of attention, even when he deserved it. Walt loved his friends and family. Whether it was working out, watching or playing sports, dining at his favorite restaurants, or going to the movies, he typically did it with someone he loved. He is preceded in death by grandparents, William Paul and Patricia Ann (Tumpane) McGrory and Martin Rogers Shell; and uncle, Daniel Paul McGrory. He is survived by his mother and father, Matthew William and Jean Marie McGrory; his sister, Mary Claire (McGrory) Vander Velden; brother-in-law, Zachary Mark Vander Velden; and his grandmother, Delores Faye (Olsen) Shell. A private funeral mass was held at the Church of Christ the King in Minneapolis, followed by a burial service at Lakewood Cemetery on December 22, 2023. A memorial service will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 10:00 am., with visitation one hour prior.

Tributes

Walter Paul McGrory

February 2, 1999 - December 16, 2023

Tributes

Walter Paul McGrory

February 2, 1999 - December 16, 2023

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