Walter, Maria Hofer (1885-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Nov 26 p. 11

Birth date: 1885 Oct 28

text of obituary:

MRS. WM. J. WALTER

Maria Hofer Walter, the youngest of 11 children, was born to Michael and Maria Gross Hofer on Oct. 28, 1885, on the family homestead seven miles southwest of Bridgewater, S. D.; died at her home in Emery, S. D. on July 20, 1964, having reached the age of 78 years, eight months and 22 days.

Her mother died when she was 15, and two years later her father died, after which she made her home with her sister, Mrs. D. J. Mendel for two years.

She was united in matrimony with Wm. J. Walter on June 14, 1905. They established their home northwest of Freeman, later moving southwest of Bridgewater. In 1948 they retired to live in Emery, S. D.

This happy marriage lasted over 59 years. It was blessed with one daughter, Mary. They had the joy of celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in 1955.

In her youth she accepted Christ as her personal Savior, basing her salvation on the promise in Luke 10:20. On July 14, 1912, together with her husband, she was baptized upon the concession of her faith by Rev. J. M. Tschetter and became a member of the Salem K. M. B. Church at Bridgewater, S. D., to which she remained faithful to the end. She loved her church and attended it regularly. For 20 years she was a Sunday school teacher, working with the children in the junior department. She found much joy in music and singing gospel songs to the praise of God.

She was a charter member of the Ladies Fellowship group, and took a great interest in the missionary aspect by writing letters to missionaries and for many years supporting a native missionary.

Mother was a lover of nature which was evidenced by the many flowers in and around her home.

Her health began to fail in September 1963, when she developed a serious chest ailment.

She leaves to mourn her beloved husband Wm., one daughter Mary and son-in-law Joe H. Tschetter, all of Emery; two brother-in-law, Andrew j. Walter, Freeman, and Paul P. Gross, Bridgewater; six sisters-in-law, Mrs. Jake Walter of California, Mrs. Paul J. Walter of Yale, Mrs. Paul P. Gross of Bridgewater, Mrs. And. J. Walter of Freeman, Mrs. John J. Hofer of Emery, and Mrs. Paul M. Hofer, Dolton.