MANSFIELD: As Walt Kania chose to elevate every facet of his life, he brought others up with him. His lifelong quest was to attain the highest truth, through study and research, to advance his consciousness, to teach and help people to think outside their boxes. As Walt challenged himself to grow, he challenged others to grow as well.

Walt passed from this consciousness Monday, May 13, 2024 from Wedgewood Estates in Mansfield. He was 91.

Born April 4, 1933 in Cleveland, the grandson of European immigrants, to parents Joseph and Rose Kania, he was reared in the Russian Orthodox Church. Throughout his youth, Walt was a scholar and was active in many sports – he was even asked to join the Cleveland Indians farm team as a catcher. He graduated from North Royalton High School in 1950 where he organized a dance band in which he played the clarinet in the Cleveland area.

Walter attended Miami University (Ohio) then transferred and graduated from The Ohio State University. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-law from OSU, he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force where he then completed training as a multi engine pilot and served eight years.

For a period of two years, he served as a youth director in a local church in Oklahoma. Following his active duty he completed a Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School, the graduate theological seminary of Texas Christian University. He spent one year teaching at TCU and served two local congregations as pastor. Following graduation, he went into the mission field in Jamaica for a summer. Dr. Kania was ordained in the United Church of Christ (formerly Congregational) and in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Seeking to pursue a degree in psychology, Walter attended Michigan State University. Throughout his Ph.D. program, he worked full-time as a University Pastor and Director of the United Campus Ministry at MSU. Completing his doctoral studies, he became the Director of Counseling and Testing and a Professor of Psychology teaching a full range of undergraduate courses at Bethany College. He later joined The Ohio State University – Mansfield. After seven years on the faculty at OSU-M, he launched a full-time private practice as a psychotherapist, consultant to business and industry, mental health clinics, and the courts. Walt continued this practice into his late eighties. During winters in Naples, Florida, he taught courses on spirituality at Florida Gulf Coast University. He has been a guest speaker with local churches and organizations for years.

Walt was as active in body as he was in mind: he enjoyed tennis, golf, biking, handball, racquetball, skiing, boating, and any new adventure! He was full of energy – liked having a project – and was an avid reader, writer, and traveler. He could be seen around Mansfield at breakfast with friends, working-out at the YMCA, and enjoying performances at the Renaissance Theater.

Remembered as a lifelong learner, teacher, and researcher, Walt was a prolific author. Walt authored five books on healthy religion and spirituality. His books challenged people in their faith, inspired them to mature in their spirituality, and guided readers to a new transcendental self. His search and research of avatars sought the highest truth.

Walt had charisma and vitality and loved to laugh. The man never aged. His desire to help people was evident in every aspect of his life.

He was a member of Mansfield Kiwanis, YMCA, Lakewood Racquet Club, Hermits Club, Ohio Association of Near Death Experiences and the Ohio Psychological Association.

Walt wore many hats, but none were more important to him than the hat of a loving husband, father, and grandpa. He delighted in his family. They were his source of joy.

He is survived by his wife Ann (Stiers) Kania, whom he married December 18, 1954; their children Regan (Catherine) Kania of Okemos, MI, Lani (Jeff Bush) Kania Bush of Chagrin Falls, and Jill (Bill Pond) Kania Pond of Westerville; grandchildren Jacob (fiancée Katherine) Kania, Lucas Kania, Ethan (Kim) Bush, Adam (fiancée Trish) Bush, and Briana Pond.

He was preceded in death by his brother Joseph Kania.

The Kania family will receive guests Friday, May 24, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, where a Celebration of Walt’s life will immediately follow at 3 p.m. Celebrant Dave Roberts will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Renaissance Performing Arts (rentickets.org/support) would be a nod to Walt’s love for, and support of, local performing arts.

Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kania Family. Share a message of support with them – and watch Walt’s tribute video – online at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com

Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Lexington Avenue Chapel

Website: SnyderFuneralHomes.com