20 Who Count: Doug and Carol Walter

By Cameron Montemayor

Doug and Carol Walter live by the saying ‘Bloom where you’re planted.”

Doug, the minister at Ashland United Methodist Church, and Carol, a retired nurse, have firmly planted their roots in the community after relocating here eight years ago to follow Doug’s ministry work.

Married for 43 years, the Walters have exemplified leadership and compassion with their dedication to serving the community in countless roles, most recently co-chairing United Way’s 2024 capital campaign, where they’ve helped raise a staggering $2.4 million to date.

“You learn so much about your community through volunteering with others,” Carol said. “We’ve lived in lots of places and St. Joseph is a great place.”

Doug and Carol personally visited dozens of businesses and invited thousands to give, with the added help of more than 100 volunteers.

The two are blessed to be able to play a vital role for the organization and its 17 partner agencies that impact different areas of need within the community.

On any given day, there’s a good chance they could be found volunteering at local food kitchens and non-profits like Community Missions and Interserv.

“Any place that we can connect and make a difference, that’s how we’ve gotten involved with St. Joseph,” Doug said. “Being engaged with the community is a big part of the way I do ministry.”

Doug also serves on the board for Sisters of Solace and is the former board president for Community Action Partnership and the St. Joseph Rotary Club.

Carol retired last year after a 43-year career as a registered nurse, most recently working at Mosaic’s Cancer Center. she previously served on the board for the Pregnancy Resource Center and is preparing for the same role with Friends of the Free Clinic, a group that raises funding and awareness for the non-profit Stuber Health Center.

She’s also in line to be one of the first volunteers to help with the InspireU Children’s Discovery Museum in Downtown, St. Joseph when it opens.