Walter Onken

Walter Onken, age 86, of Mountain Lake (formerly of Windom) died Saturday, March 12, 2011, at his home in Mt. Lake. Walter Herman Lehnert Onken was born on November 12, 1924, in Rost Township, Jackson County to Hinrich "Henry" Gerhard and Rieke Tiebband (Siebels) Onken. He was baptized at home on November 14, 1924. Walt attended parochial school through eight grade. He was confirmed on April 2, 1939, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Rost Township. On February 22, 1946, Walt was united in marriage to Doris (Peggy) Bass at Walt's home church. After marriage the couple began farming in Ewington Township. In 1952, Walt, Peggy, and their young family moved to a farm north of Windom. Over the course of 45 years with much tender loving care the farm became a profitable place to raise a loving family. In the early autumn of 1997 they moved into Windom due to Walt's health. Walt was a resident of the Good Sam. Village for a short time during the summer of 2010. After leaving the Village, Walt and Peggy decided to continue their life in Mountain Lake Since moving to Windom, Walt had been a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, where he served as usher for several years and...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

joyed playing on the church's dart ball team, serving as team captain for many years. Through the years Walt enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and word search puzzles, as well as listening to old-time music, playing cards, and visiting with family and friends. On warm sunny spring days, Walt could often be found sitting on a hay bale finding pleasure in watching the frisky new calves playing and the baby pigs and chicks playing in the dirt. Sale of gravel for the reconstruction of Highway 71 created a gravel pit which eventually became a haven for wildlife, especially deer and fox which Walt would often stop and watch while taking a break from the spring cultivating and fall harvesting. He also enjoyed watching for the first dandelions of spring to come. With a twinkle in his eyes and a dimple in his chin, he enjoyed watching with pride his grandchildren and their families grow and Just recently Walt and Peggy were able to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with the children and grandchildren present. Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Peggy; one son, Gary (Mary) Onken of Windom, and three daughters, Carol Krueger of Lakefield, Susan (Donn) Nelson of Windom, and Lori (Lauren) Thiessen of Windom. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Keith Krueger, Joy "Onken" (Brett) Wright, Matthew (Heidi) Onken, Leah "Krueger" (Jered) Broesder, Kraig (Stahcee) Nelson, Brian (Jenny) Nelson, Erin Thiessen, and Jamie Thiessen, and twelve great-grandchildren, one brother August (Clara Mae) Onken of Clarissa,, one sister Anne (Edgar) Schultz of Round Lake, two sisters-in-law, Leona Onken of Worthington and Shirley Onken of Fairmont, and many neices and nephews. Walt was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, two infant granddaughters, Jeane Michelle Krueger and Cherie Lee Thiessen, five brothers, Hans, Jerry, Fritz, Arnold, and Mike, and two sisters, Marie Huls and Lisbeth Saathoff. Blessed be the memory of Walter H. Onken.