Walter, Willie J. (1917-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Jan 19 p. 8

Birth date: 1917 Oct 10

text of obituary:

WILLIE J. WALTER

Our beloved son and brother, Willie J. Walter, son of Jacob F. and Sarah Walter, was born on Oct. 10, 1917, at Freeman, S. D. He spent his entire life in the Freeman area where he received his elementary education and graduated from Freeman High School in the spring of 1936.

After completing school he helped his father on the farm and also worked for neighboring friends. He was a hard worker and did his work satisfactorily. In 1937 he served in the CCC Camp near Hot Springs, S. D.

In his youth he loved Sunday School and church and always looked forward to attending. Of special interest were Christmas observances at home and church.

In 1942 he was drafted into government service and took his training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. Upon completing his training there he was transfered to Camp Butner, North Carolina. In the spring of 1943 he and his entire company were scheduled to go overseas when his officer told him to report to the office where he received his honorable discharge through the courtesy of the Red Cross to help his father on the farm.

On Dec. 6, 1955, he became ill with the flu. He did not think it serious but after several days he became weaker and was taken to the veterans hospital in Sioux Falls,S. D. and admitted on Dec. 10, 1955. His condition was pronounced as serious immediately. Chaplain Nelson ministered to his spiritual needs twice daily. When the chaplain asked him about having devotions and prayer he responded with a greatful [sic] "yes." Only members of the immediate family were permitted to visit him daily and were by his bedside. One day the nurse asked, "What can I do for you?" He said, "Bring me a telephone, I want to make a long distance call and tell my folks I will be home for Christmas." After all that medical aid and loving hands could do he passed away on Dec. 25 at 11:30 P.M. at the Veterans Hospital.

He reached the age of 38 years, two months and 15 days. He leaves to mourn his early passing his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob F. Walter; four brothers, Edwin of Hutchinson, Kansas, John and Ernest of Freeman, S. D., and Jacob of St. Lawrence, S. D.; six sisters, Anna Whitmore of Des Plaines, Ill., [sic Mrs.] Mark Berggern [sic Berggren] of Lake Nebagamon, Wisc., Emma Gross of Spencer, S. D., Lydia Curven [sic Curwen], Red Lands, [sic Redlands] Calif., Pheobe [sic Phoebe] Wagner of Menno, S. D., and Tobea Kuiper of Sioux Falls, S. D.; four sisters-in-law, six brothers-in-law; 31 nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted in the Salem K. M. B. church on Dec. 28 with Rev. John J. Kleinsasser in charge.