Waltner, Emil E. (1890-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Mar 9 p. 3, 6

Birth date: 1890 Dec 19

text of obituary:

EMIL E. WALTNER

Emil E. Waltner, son of Jacob J. and Anna (Graber) Waltner, was born Dec. 19, 1890, on the farm South of Freeman, S. Dak. Here he grew to manhood in a family consisting of five brothers and two sisters. His parents and one brother preceded him in death.

Along with other people of his age, his catechetical instructions were conducted by Rev. Christian Mueller, for whose devoted Christian teachings he often expressed deep appreciation in later years. Following these instructions, he was baptized by Rev. H. A. Bachmann, June 27, 1909, and became and remained a member of the Salem Mennonite church.

By nature his inclinations were along mechanical and electrical lines. To become more efficient in these, he completed a correspondence course in Motor Engineering and also for a time attended Highland Park college at Des Moines, Iowa. He was one of the first gasoline engine repair men in the community. He also pioneered in installing farm electric light plants, doing all the technical work himself. He was interested in and owned a wireless receiving set before the days of the radio. Although he was a farmer practically all his life, the mechanical and electrical phases of farming always appealed to him most and he loved them best. However his interests were not limited to these only. His was a busy life of wide interests as indicated by the fact he held offices in such places as the town board, his church and the school.

In 1921, with his widowed mother, his sisters and a brother, he moved to Freeman and made his home there. On April 21, 1948, while dismantling a building at the Sioux Falls Air Base he had a stroke which paralyzed his left side. He only partially recovered from this Illness, so that radical readjustments became necessary in his life. One can readily see the severe trials and disappointments that accompanied such a sudden change from an extremely active, busy, independent life of service to one of not only almost complete inactivity, but also of helplessness and dependence. That was his lot. Yet it is remarkable with what determination and fortitude he undertook to overcome these handicaps; always trying to be useful, at least in a small way and to be less dependent upon others.

He tried hard even in the face of slow progress and always showed appreciation to those who came to brighten his monotony. He was sociable, loyal to the members of the family and had a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

On Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 15, he had another stroke. Shortly thereafter he passed into a coma from which he did not wake. He died Friday, Feb. 17, 1950, at the age of a little over 59 years, in the home which he shared with his sisters and brother in Freeman, to be with his Creator and Savior.

Funeral services were conducted in the Salem Mennonite church by Rev. W. K. Claassen, with Rev. A. P. Waltner assisting. Interment was in Salem cemetery.