DeWayne P. Walter, age 85, of Yale, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 13, 2018, surrounded by his family at his home, after a courageous 9 year battle with cancer. His funeral service was held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 17th at the Bethel Mennonite Church, rural Yale. Military rites were conducted by the Huron Veterans Council. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to James Valley Christian School or Byron Bible Camp.
DeWayne P. Walter was born February 10, 1933, to Paul and Susie (Walter) Walter at Doland. His mother died on March 8, 1933, and his father died on March 5, 1951. DeWayne was raised by his grandparents, Uncle Jake and Aunt Dora Walter. DeWayne attended grade school at Milford Township and graduated from Yale High School.
DeWayne served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Stahl, on May 17, 1954. They lived in Lawton, Oklahoma, until he was discharged. They returned to the family farm that he loved working with the soil and raising animals.
He was baptized and was a member of the Bethel Church. He served on various positions for the church. He was also on the township board.
In addition to farming, DeWayne worked at Armour's. When the Huron facility closed, he moved to Fort Madison, Iowa. He retired in 1995 from Dial Corporation, after 31 years with the company. DeWayne knew his meats and loved to look at the meat counters at the grocery stores. He enjoyed helping Bob and Joyce Glanzer with their barbeque business. He loved to cook and one of his specialties was making homemade cherry nut ice cream.
DeWayne loved his family and would always have treats for the grandchildren. He taught his children strong work habits, compassion, ethical and spiritual values. He was a great example for his children and showed them what a loving marriage and family should be. He put his faith in the Lord. When trials and temptations came, the faith he believed in always strengthened him.
He is survived by his wife, Carol of 63 years; daughter, Vonnie (Dave) Boline of Brookings; son, Rod Walter of Huron; daughter, Robin (Jeffrey) Boldt of Madison; daughter, Paula Walter of Howard; and daughter, Jill (Keith) Rome of Marietta, Georgia. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Katrina Black, Lyndsey Thomas, Alexandrea Bruna, William Boldt, Olivia Boldt, Anna Boldt and Jackson Boldt; five great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Pullen, Aria Black, Courtney Thomas, Riley Bruna and Indiana Bruna; one half-brother, Joe Allen (Katie) Walter; one half-sister, Marlene Maddock; and one sister-in-law, Liz (Melroy) Hofer of Springfield.