Walter, William I. (1875-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Apr 15 p. 9

Birth date: 1875 Dec 21

text of obituary:

WILLIAM I. WALTER

William I. Walter was born Dec. 21, 1875, to Isaac and Anna Walter near Freeman, South Dakota. Here he grew to manhood and received his early education. Here also he was baptized upon the confession of his faith in Christ and was received into the membership of the Neu Hutterthal church.

On April 21, 1901, he was joined in holy matrimony to Maria Decker. They established their home on a farm four miles east of Bridgewater where they resided until two years ago when they retired to live in Bridgewater.

He was in good health all his life until about one year ago he began to seek medical aid. All that human hands and medical science could provide was done but God saw fit to take father home on March 29, 1954, at 1:00 p.m. at the Sioux Valley hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During his lingering illness he never murmured nor complained.

He leaves to mourn his departure our dear mother; five daughters, Mrs. Dave T. Hofer (Ann) of Huron, Mrs. Sy. J. Graber (Adina) of Marion, Mrs. Joe W. Hofer, (Lydia) of Emery, Mary Walter of Aberdeen, Mrs. Gilbert E. Thune (Jessie) of Murdo; three sons, John and Ike of Bridgewater, and Leslie of Parker; three brothers, Isaac, John and Geo. Walter of Freeman; one sister, Mrs. John J. Pullman of Emery; and nine grandchildren. One daughter, Kathryn, preceded him in death three years ago.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from hence forth, yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.”

Funeral services were conducted Thursday afternoon, April 1. Pastor Kleinsasser spoke briefly at the home. For the services at the K.M.B. church, Miss Lavina Hofer served as pianist and the Glanzer Sisters trio sang “My Jesus I Love Thee" and “Beyond the Sunset.” Rev. D. W. Tschetter spoke in German. He pointed out that death is a door leading from one world into another. He also said that education, riches, health will not be required to belong to the great white throng, but our robes will have to be washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Pastor Kleinsasser spoke on Psalm 90, emphasizing God's eternity, God’s sovereignty and the frailty of man. A memorial fund of $250 was established.

Interment was made in the Bridgewater cemetery with the Hofer funeral home in charge. Pallbearers were Dave and John Becker, Isaac, Elmer and Andrew Walter, and Amos Pullman.—The Family.