Loren William Walter

Obituary

Loren William Walter was born March 13, 1940, in his parents’ farmhouse in Martinsburg Township, Renville County, Minnesota, the son of Clarence and Ruth (Schafer) Walter. He was baptized as an infant at the EUB Church in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, and confirmed in his faith there as a youth. Later in the year 1940, Loren’s family moved to Preston Lake Township. He attended the Greendale District 57 brick schoolhouse for his first six years, and continued his education at the Buffalo Lake High School, graduating in 1958. While working odd jobs in the area, Loren joined the Army Reserves in 1963 and served 5½ years, with 7½ months of active duty.

On August 14, 1965, Loren was united in marriage to Carol Melberg at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hector. They made their home in Preston Lake Township and were blessed with three sons, Jared, Jason, and Jeffrey. Loren had rented his first farm in 1964, and joined the farming operation with his father and brother, Allen. In 1968, Loren and Allen formed a partnership and farmed for 41 years. Their farming operation included crops, swine, and beef cattle. Many hands helped with this work, giving Loren an opportunity to spend time with his sons, experiencing and teaching many life lessons. Spring was Loren’s favorite season. His exhilaration of first turning the dirt and eagerly awaiting the emergence of the new seeds… it was the start of a new year. Loren’s heart was always in farming, and Carol was his help and support. He retired from farming in 2003.

Faith and service were very prominent during Loren’s life. He was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church since 1965, served on the Church Board three terms, and sang in the church choir. Loren was also very civic-minded. He joined the Lions in 1986, and was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship award. He served on the County Extension Board, and was a Township officer for 30 years. He was a lifelong member of the Buffalo Lake Rod and Gun club, exercising his desire to preserve conservation, safety, and knowledge. In his younger years he was active with the Turtles car club.

Loren loved the outdoors, working in their garden, and feeding and watching the birds. Purple martins and orioles were his favorites. He enjoyed golfing, especially when he could play with his sons. Loren’s hobby was woodworking, and he loved “being in the shop” making signs, fishing rods, and other items. After retirement, Loren and Carol enjoyed traveling and taking bus trips together. Family was so important to Loren. For 40+ years, the family spent a week together at Eighth Crow Wing Lake, fishing, boating, golfing, relaxing, and cherishing time by the lake.

Having faced different health issues the last few years, Loren passed away on Tuesday morning, May 14, 2019, at the Hutchinson Health Hospital, having reached the age of 79 years. Blessed be his memory.

Loren is survived by his:

Wife, Carol Walter of Buffalo Lake, Minnesota;

Sons, Jared Walter and his Wife, Lori, of Columbus, Indiana,
            Jason Walter and his Wife, Keri, of Bettendorf, Iowa,
            Jeffrey Walter and his Wife, Jennifer, of Bettendorf, Iowa;

Grandchildren: Nicholas Walter, Dylan Walter, Aiden Walter, Kaylee Walter, Kaitlyn Walter, Alex Walter, and Andrew Walter;

Step-Grandchildren: Nicholas Burns, Jason Latimer, and Carrie Latimer;

Siblings: Allen Walter and his Wife, Marie, of Buffalo Lake, Minnesota,
            Kenneth Walter and his Wife, Nancy, of Apple Valley, Minnesota,
            Judith Williams of Burnsville, Minnesota,
            Neil Walter and his Wife, Gerri, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota;

Sister-in-law, Avis Walter of Moorhead, Minnesota;

many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Loren was preceded in death by his Parents; Brother, Richard Walter; Parents-in-law, Robert and Marion Melberg; and Brother-in-law, Donald Williams.