Walter John Groller, an area polka icon, died July 17 at his home in Whitehall.

According to his obituary, Groller enjoyed a 72-year career as a professional musician, retiring in 2018 and attained national and international recognition carrying out his motto “Bringing People Together Through Music.”

Starting at age 14, he was the leader of the Walt Groller Orchestra.

He will be remembered for his famous Walt Groller Tours: 34 European tours, 27 years of Christmas weekends in the Poconos, 31 cruises and U.S. land tours.

During his career, Groller produced more than 30 recordings, did live radio at WKAP for 10 years and produced several shows, including The German Hour on WFMZ Radio and Cafe International on television with WFMZ for seven years.

He was the recipient of Austrian Cross of Recognition in 1981 from the Burgenland government, and was awarded a Diploma of Honor from Robert Stolz Society that same year. He was inducted into the Polka Music Hall of Fame, was a member of the International Polka Association and was nominated for a Grammy Award for his recording “Polkamatic.

Groller received the Gold Cross from the Republic of Austria recognizing his work in keeping the Austrian heritage alive as well as the European American Music Award Lifetime Achievement Award and the Cross of Appreciation from Burgenland, Austria. Accolades over the years include certificates of honor from President’s Reagan, Clinton and G.W. Bush along with many state and local awards. He received the Linny Award for Performing Artist of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame.

He was the husband of Marilyn (Schweitzer) Groller, and celebrated 67 years of marriage together.

Groller served in the Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion and Catholic War Vets.

His viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Brubaker Funeral Home Inc., 327 Chestnut St., Coplay. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22, at St. Francis of Assisi R.C.C., 1046 W Cedar St, Allentown, PA 18102. Interment to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Coplay.