James H Walter

JAMES HERBERT "Jim" WALTER October 15, 1933 - May 28, 2014 James Herbert "Jim" Walter, age 80 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Mpls., unexpectedly passed into eternity at his home on Wednesday morning, May 28, 2014. Jim was born on October 15, 1933 in Sebeka, MN to Herb and Alice (Tappe) Walter. He attended public school in Sebeka, graduating from the Sebeka High School with the Class of 1952. Jim enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served in Company D of the 41st Armored Infantry Battalion which was known as "Hell On Wheels". Following his honorable discharge on February 14, 1955, Jim gained employment working as a heavy equipment operator building roads throughout Minnesota and the Dakotas. On July 25, 1959, Jim was united in marriage to Janet Beverly Rider at the Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids. This union was blessed with two sons: Jay and Jeff. In 1961, Jim enrolled in the Minneapolis Vocational Technical College where he earned his certification as a professional welder. Jim gained employment with the DeBourg Manufacturing Company where his career spanned over 25 years. Jim built an outstanding reputation as a skilled designer and metal fabricator. He rounded out his professional career with Catepillar, retiring in 1995. Shortly after retirement, Jim and Janet left Minneapolis where they had called home for 33 years and moved to Park Rapids. Jim loved the out doors; especially when he could be fishing, hunting white tailed deer or water fowl or snowmobiling with his sons. He enjoyed square dancing with Janet and they were members of the Bloomington Swirrelers for many years. Jim loved country music, good dogs and the Minnesota Twins. He was a long time member of the Sebeka American Legion Post. Above all, Jim devoted his life to his precious wife, his children and his grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife for the past 55 years, Janet of Park Rapids; his two sons: Jay (Dianne) Walter of Bemidji and Jeff (Susan) Walter of Akeley, MN; his three dearly loved grandchildren: TJ, Anna and Jason; his sister, Joyce Schmidt of Plentywood, MT as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John and one sister, Jewell. Funeral services will be held 3 PM Sunday, June lst, 2014 at Riverside United Methodist Church, with Rev. Lee Kantonen officiating. The casket bearers will be: Bernard "Bernie" Meyer, Travers "TJ" Tharp, Theron Walter, Trevor Walter, Trent Walter and John Christenson. The honorary casket bearers will be Merlyn Walter, Jim Christenson and Anna J. Walter. The Star Of The North Marine Corps League will provide the military honors. Interment will be made in the family plot located at the Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids. Visitation will be held beginning one hour prior to the services at the church on Sunday. To leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.