Walter, Joseph F. (1873-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jun 18 p. 8

Birth date: 1873 Feb 14

text of obituary:

JOSEPH F. WALTER

Joseph F. Walter was born in Johannesruh, Russia on Feb. 14, 1873. He died after a brief illness on April 16, 1959 at the age of 86 years, two months and two days.

The experiences of his childhood included emigration to America with his parents, Frank and Rebecca (Hofer) Walter in 1875. In his youth the hardships of pioneer life limited his education to a few winter terms of school.

He married Katherine Ratzlaff on April 19, 1896, with the late Rev. Paul J. Tschetter officiating. They lived in Turner County, S. D. for 10 years. In 1908 they bought the former Rev. John Tschetter farm and lived there until the time of his death.

Our parents shared the blessings and sorrows of life for over 59 years. One of our cherished memories is their golden wedding in 1946. After the death of our mother in 1955 he continued to live with his son Erwin, and his daughter Claudia, who faithfully and eagerly supplied every need.

In 1904 he realized his lost condition and after sincere heart searching and earnest prayer he accepted Jesus as his Savior and enjoyed forgiveness of sins. On Sept. 26, 1906, he was baptized upon the confession of his faith by Elder Diedrich Goosen and received into the fellowship of the Salem K. M. B. church of which he remained a faithful member until his death. He served as janitor for many years. He attended church services regularly.

God granted him the special favor of good health, until the last week on physician needed to call at the home because of our father's illness. On Wednesday morning he suffered a light stroke. However he moved about the house during the day. The following day it became evident that his strength was ebbing away and diagnosis revealed that pneumonia had set in. He died the same day.

He leaves to mourn his departure: One son, seven daughters, 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; four sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and a host of relatives and friends. He is also survived by three brothers and two sisters: Susie, Mrs. Paul Stahl, Huron; Jacob, Freeman; Paul, Huron; Justina, Mrs. Eli Walter, Bridgewater; and Frank, Dinuba, Calif.

His surviving children are Matilda, Mrs. Joe P. Hofer of Parkston; Claudia at home; Ida, Mrs. Mike G. Wollman of Freeman; Anna, Mrs. Edmund Tschetter of Alexandria; Ervin at home; Justina, Mrs. Eli J. Hofer of Spencer; Bertha, Mrs. Wilmer Huether of Menno; and Susie, Mrs. Jacob E. Hofer of Dolton. His wife, three children, one grandchild, one brother and three sisters preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held at the Salem K. M. B. Church, Bridgewater, S. D., on April 19 with Rev. J. J. Kleinsasser, the pastor, and Rev. Vernon Duerksen of Omaha, Neb. officiating.