Walter, William J. (1882-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Jul 30 p. 11

Birth date: 1882 Jun 1

text of obituary:

WILLIAM J. WALTER

William J. Walter, son of Joseph and Maria Walter, was born on June 1, 1882, on a farm northwest of Freeman, S. D. He passed away on June 27, 1970 at the Freeman Hospital, reaching the age of 88 years and 26 days.

On June 4, 1905 he was united in marriage with Maria Hofer. They established their home northwest of Freeman, later moving southwest of Bridgewater. In 1943 they retired to live in Emery, S. D. This happy marriage lasted over 59 years and was blessed with one daughter, Mary.

On July 14, 1912, he together with mother was baptized upon the confession of his faith by Rev. Jacob M. Tschetter and became a member of the Salem K.M.B. Church of Bridgewater, S. D. of which he remained faithful to the end. He loved the church and attended it regularly. In his youth he was very ill with a ruptured appendix and suffered blood poisoning in his hand, but the Lord restored him.

He loved God’s Word which was always at hand to read and search in. His favorite Scripture was He. 4:9, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” He enjoyed gospel music on his record player, and over KNWC, Sioux Falls. After mother died he was very lonely and these were songs of comfort to him. Many deeds of kindness were shown to him recently by his nieces and nephews and brother and sister.

Father had a quiet personality and truly was one of the “Stillen im Lande.” He was frugal and enjoyed hard physical labor. He had a cheerful disposition, a good sense of humor, and a smile for everyone.

He enjoyed good health until his recent illness. Last winter because of complications he stayed at Joe and Mary’s home, where he received the best of care.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Maria, his parents, three brothers and five sisters. He leaves to mourn one daughter Mary and her husband Joe H. Tschetter of Emery; one brother, Andrew, and sister-in-law Elizabeth of Freeman; one sister, Justina, and brother Paul P. Gross of Bridgewater, S. D.; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Tilda Walter of California, and a host of relatives and friends.