Dr. William E. Walter - Wanamingo

Dr. William E. Walter, 86, of Wanamingo, died Sunday, April 29, 2012, at North Ridgeview Assisted Living in Kenyon.

He was born March 16, 1926, in Pine Island, to Elmer Harold and Cora Esther (Lohman) Walter of Pine Island. He graduated from Pine Island High School in 1944 and was drafted into the infantry during World War II. William spent two years in the Army being commissioned second lieutenant, and spending a year in Europe and received the Purple Heart. On July 29, 1950, he married Phyllis Marion Weeks at the United Methodist Church in Pine Island. After his term of duty he enrolled in pre-medical studies at the University of Minnesota, and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree, summa cum laude, and he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, honorary fraternity. Continuing his education he received a bachelor of science degree in 1951, and a doctor of medicine in 1953. Dr. Walter’s first official day on the job in Wanamingo was on Aug. 2, 1954, where he cared for his patients until his retirement on March 31, 1994. For several years during that time period, he served as chief of staff at Zumbrota Hospital and was on the courtesy staff at St. John’s Hospital in Red Wing.

Dr. Walter was a member of the Advisory Board of the Medical Assistant Program at Rochester Community College, and on the Zumbrota Valley Mental Health Board. He provided medical care at area nursing homes, and Riverview Manor. He was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Chatfield Brass Band and Zumbrota Community Band.

In January of 1976 Dr. Walter was named "Goodhue County Citizen of the Year." He was chairman of the Wanamingo School Board for 12 of the 15 years he served. He was a charter member of the Wanamingo Lions Club, and past president. He also served as president of the Wanamingo Commercial Club. Dr. Walter was key in initiating the 4th of July Celebration in Wanamingo,  and along with Jim Burmeister founded the Wanamingo Nature Trail.

Dr. Walter and Phyllis shared many hobbies from harvesting maple syrup, traveling, collecting many items, playing the clarinet and singing in the choir.

William is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children, Jeffrey (Lynda) of West Virginia, Jennifer (Glenn) of New York and Todd (Jaclyn) of Pine Island; grandsons, Guy (Sarah) Walter, Joseph (Laura) Walter, William Walter, Bradley Walter; great-granddaughter, Maya Walter; brother, James (Pat) Walter of Pine Island; and nephews.

William was preceded in death by his daughter, Jacqueline.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 4, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Christopher Culuris officiating. Burial will be in the Pine Island Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at Mahn Family Funeral Home - Larson Chapel in Zumbrota, and for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church, Pine Island AAA Foundation, or Kenyon - Wanamingo Education Foundation.

www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com