Walter Alfred Pethke, age 88 of Manawa, passed away March 3, 2019 at the Manawa Community Nursing Center.
Walter was born in the Town of Union to the late William and Anna (Dallmann) Pethke on May 6, 1930. He was united in marriage to Elaine (Bestul) on October 23, 1954 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Iola. Walter attended school at the Little Mountain School in the Town of Union. He was a farmer all his life. His hobbies included the following, playing Sheepshead, softball, hunting, fishing, camping and woodworking. Walter was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Symco.
Walter is survived by his wife Elaine of 64 years, six children-Walter Jr. (Bonny), Dale (Joyce), Mary (Steve) Bauer, Sally (Bruce) Raisler, Jay (Cindy), Tom (Stacy); 12 grandchildren- Cory (Tara), Stacy (Jeremiah)Claussen, Adam(Lacy)Raisler, Eric(Molly) Raisler, Nicole(Orrin)Ambrose, Katie (Nathan)Balthazor, Jeremy (Samantha)Pethke, Heather (Dennis)Arndt, Brittany, Chelsie (Ryan)Wendt, Brooke, Justin; step-grandchild Brianna Walter; 15 great-grandchildren: Camyrn and Callie Pethke, Addison, Hailey and Blake Claussen, Emersyn, Bauer, and Jensyn Ambrose, Raelyn and Bryce Balthazor, Makieyela, Mallex and MaHayleigha Raisler, Joseph Pethke, Brayden Wendt; brother-in-law Clarence Riddle, sister-in-law Ardella Pethke, brother Marvin (June) Pethke, brother-in-law James Bestul. Walter is further survived by numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Edwin (Lorina), Erwin,William Jr.(Lucille), Edna Riddle, Alvin(Alice), Ruby (Elmer) Piotter, Arthur, Melvin(Rosetta); brothers-in-law, Milton Bestul, Ralph Bestul; sisters-in-law Arlene Peters and Mary Lou Bestul, and grandson Ryan Pethke.
The family would like to give a special Thank You to the staff of the Manawa Community Nursing Center for their compassionate care for Walter during his short stay. And Thank You to Pastor Smiles. The family would also like to thank daughter in-law “nurse” Bonny for her daily stops to check in on Walter and constant care.
The Funeral Service for Walter will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Symco. A visitation for Walter will be held directly at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Township of Union. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. The Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home, Manawa is serving the family.