George Walter, 88, Perham, MN

George Walter

George C. Walter, 88, of Perham, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2008, among family and friends in Prairie Knoll at Perham Memorial Nursing Home. He fought a very quick fight with lung cancer from asbestos.
George Conrad Walter was born June 25, 1919, to Emil and Augusta Marie (Neunaber) Walter at home in Corliss Township in Perham. He lived his entire life in Corliss Township. He attended the Toad River Grammar School through the highest grade they had which was eighth. Alice and he taught their parents English.
From 1942 to 1946, George served in the 220th Engineering Battalion of the 20th Armored Division as a T/5, a motor and heavy equipment machine operator. He was also at Dachau Concentration Camp when it was liberated.
On June 25, 1946, George married Irene Helen Mischke at St. John's Corliss Church. This union was blessed with two daughters, Lorraine and Patty, with a granddaughter, Deni, to follow. In May 1951, George was confirmed into the church.
George and Irene owned a number of places which included dairy and grain farms plus an implement business. At one time, they owned 16 rental houses.
George served on many different boards. He was First District County Commissioner, president from 1980-83 of the Otter Tail County Historical Society, president of Lutheran Brotherhood in 1996, on the OTWCAC Board for 32 years, on the Minnesota State Health Board, president of St. James Manor, president of the Hospital Board in Perham, Perham Pioneer Festival president, lifetime member of Veteran's of Foreign Wars and American Legion plus a charter member of the new Veterans Museum in Perham. Just to name a few.
Through numerous benefits George and Irene tried to unite many walks of faith for the fight of good. They would jump in head first to help people in need that they had never even met, raising money for many different causes. Also volunteering supplies and time for Habitat for Humanity.
George and Irene traveled to many interesting places. In 1984, their travels took them on a tour in Europe where they traveled through 11 countries. World War II Honor Flight through WDAY TV chose George as a participant in the second trip which took place Sept. 7-8, 2007. It was truly a great experience he was proud of.
George is survived by two daughters, Lorraine (John “Jack”) Brune, Larimore, N.D.; and Patty (Craig) Walter-Stall, Detroit Lakes; one grandchild, Denielle “Deni” Danielson, Detroit Lakes; two sisters-in-law, Mabel (Maurice) Tunby, Baker, Mont.; and Bunny Mischke, West Fargo; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Daryl and Sue Ruther and Sister Shirley Mueller, along with numerous co-board members.
George was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Irene on July 31, 2007; a sister, Alice Persons; a brother, Alfred Walter; in-laws, August and Martha Mischke; brothers-in-law, Richard Persons, Lester, Erwin, Raymond, and Roland Mischke, Walter Schumn, Lyle Clark, and Walter Roe; sisters-in-law, Anna Richards, Esther Schumn, Elsie Clark, Mary, Mabel, Barb, and Marlene Mischke.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to sponsor medical or ministry scholarships through St. John's Lutheran Church, Corliss, Walter Trust Fund.
Visitation: Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 5 p.m., at the funeral home, and one hour prior to services at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Friday, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Corliss Township, Perham
Clergy: Rev. Del Meyer
Burial: Church cemetery.
Funeral Home: Schoeneberger Funeral Home, Perham
Condolences: www.schoenebergerfuneralhome.com.