Walter H. Ordway Jr.

In Memorium - Walter H. Ordway Jr.

February 17, 1947 - November 17, 2014

Walter H. Ordway Jr. lived life to the fullest! Born and raised in Soldier, Iowa Walter traveled the world on his bicycle visiting Central and South America, traveling from Ireland to New Zealand and biking across the Himalayas to Nepal. He traveled around the United States in a van, sailed across the Atlantic for a 7 month voyage, spent 2 years in Ecuador with the Peace Corp and had so many adventures!

Walter graduated from Luther College in Decorah Iowa with a B.A. in Art and History and then spent over a decade exploring the world, often on his bicycle. In 1986 he returned to the United States and made his home near Soldier, Iowa on his family farm, converting it to organic farming.

Walter loved the Loess Hills and was fundamental in establishing the Loess Hills Scenic Byways which we still enjoy today. Through his paintings and his legacy preserving the beautiful Loess Hills we all love, his adventurous spirit lives on.