"Jim and Family, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your mother. I know you were very close to her and how hard it is to say goodbye. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care of each other, Cindy and Vince Michl"
In loving memory of
Bernice Walter
January 21, 2008
Bernice Alberta Strohmaier Walter, 91 of Keokuk died Monday, January 21, 2008 in River Hills Village of Keokuk, Iowa.
Bernice was born July 26, 1916 in Keokuk, Iowa the daughter of Emil and Katherine Meyers Strohmaier. She graduated from Keokuk High School in 1934 and she married Elmer Walter that same year. Elmer preceded her in death in 1971. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Merle Strohmaier in 1984; a daughter in-law, Dena Walter in 1985; and a good friend Clem Schutte in 1996.
Survivors include sons, Dale Walter and his wife, Maureen of BelAire, Kansas, James Walter and his friend, Debbie Foulkes, of Keokuk, Iowa; David Walter and his wife, Barbara, of Keokuk, Iowa; Daughter: Marilyn Freitag and her husband, Dr. Terry Freitag, of Monticello, Wisconsin; Ten grandchildren; Seventeen great grandchildren; Nephew: Allan Strohmaier and his wife, Sharon, of Urbandale, Iowa; Cousins and other relatives.
As co-owner of Walter's Roofing Company, which was established in 1949, she was secretary and bookkeeper for approximately 45 years. Bernice was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Soroptimist Club, American Legion Auxiliary and Birthright. She was a Secretary - Treasure of Hickory Grove Cemetery and School House Association for 35 years. She started teaching Sunday school at the First Baptist Church at the age of 17 and taught for approximately 35 years, played the piano and sang in the choir. As a member of the BPW, she was chosen Woman of Achievement in 1988. She enjoyed playing cards, cooking, dancing, and especially being with her family and many friends.
Funeral services were Saturday, January 26, 2008 at DeJong's Funeral Home with Pastor Dale Thomas officiating. Burial followed at Sunset Memorial Park, Keokuk, Iowa.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 8th Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa, 52632.
Tributes
"I have so very many fond memories of your mother and your home on High Street and the friendship that Marilyn and I shared. Bernice was truly a special person who dearly loved her children and her grandchildren. I visited her many times at the nursing home and she always knew who I was. Please accept my sympathy and prayers in her loss. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched and mine would be one of those. Tali"
"Jim and I want to express our sympathy in the loss of your Mother, and friend. We both thought a lot of her as she was a great lady We have you in our prayers."
"David, Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your Mother. You may not remember me (KHS class of '60) but may remember my late brother Roger, class of '58. You and I had a brief but warm conversation in the lobby of River Hills when I was visiting my Father in 2003. My Dad passed that February. He as well as our entire family were so grateful for the care he received there and I hope a similar experience may be of comfort to you and your family. I hope that cherished memories of your Mother will soon replace the pain you and your family are now feeling. Very sincerely, Robert Boyd Prescott, Az"
"Jim and Family, When Claire and Jill called me to tell me about the sad news of their Grandma Walter all I could think of was what a lady and what a life she lived. When she would walk into a room she brightened the whole room with her radiant smile. She always had something good to say. I always looked up to her with her cheerful attitude and her generosity to people. And she loved her family! I am so glad that I was blessed to know such a wonderful lady. Grandma Walter thanks for being such a positive role model and a wonderful Grandmother to Claire and Jill. You were truly loved. thinking of you, Monica "
"I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you in the death of your mother. She was a remarkable woman, and will be missed. You are in my thoughts. Lee Watson"
"Esel....You were so good to your mom. I'm glad to have seen her so happy at River Hills when my mother was still alive. Now they've both been reunited with loved ones. You will miss being her faithful son, but time heals the sadness. Take it one day at a time...Love, Dianne"