Robert Eldon Walter

Robert Eldon Walter 91, of West Des Moines passed away peacefully at his winter home in Scottsdale, AZ. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Friday January, 19 at McLarens Chapel in West Des Moines. With a private family burial. Bob was a 60 year member of Acanthus Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, VFW, American Legion, DAV and Des Moines Golf and Country Club. Bob was born May 20, 1926 in Mason City, Iowa to Harry and Anna (Johnson) Walter. He attended school in Mason City, while there he developed his first love music. His instrument of choice was the alto sax which he played in various territory dance bands and at local ballrooms including the noted surf ballroom in Clear Lake. He maintained his interest in music his entire life. After graduation from Mason City High School he was drafted into the Army during WWII. He served with the 69th infantry division in the anti-tank company. Bob served during the Battle of Bulge fighting across the Rhine River and met up with the Russians at Turgow, April 25, 1945. Upon his honorable discharge he attended Iowa State University graduating with a degree in civil engineering. In 1950 he developed his second love, gene...[more]

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contracting. He joined Fane Vawter Company and after a few years he became a partner in Vawter and Walter. During this time he was instrumental in buildings for the University of Iowa and many civic buildings in Des Moines, the Hoover State Office Building, the original Science Center, Scottish Rite Park, and Lutheran Hospital Additions. He was president of Des Moines Construction Council, and board member of Master Builders of Iowa. He was conscientious and honorable in his business dealings and always stood by his word. While attending Iowa State he found his deepest love, family and home. He married the love of his life, Annette Rethwill on June 19, 1952. They were very fortunate to spend 66 wonderful years together. Together they had three lovely daughters which he doted on. He is survived by his wife Annette of West Des Moines; three daughters, Sherry (Randy) Snider of Clive, Cindy (Pat) Huston of Boone, Sandy (Ralph) Schulte of Clive; seven grandchildren, Jason (Jennie) Snider, Ryan Snider, Este (Klint) Peterson, Abby Huston (fiancé Luke Byers), Amanda (Adam) Parton, Adam (Courtney) Schulte, Melinda (Kyle) Peterson; fourteen lovely great grandchildren, Jackson and Jonathan Snider, Lydia and Nora Peterson, Mariah, Josie, Ace Parton, Peyton, Mia, Addison and Trice Schulte, Jordan, Amelia and Wade Peterson He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Harry, Dick, David Walter and infant grandson Eric Snider. Online condolences and photos may be left at adamssoderstrum.com To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/obituaries/Robert-Eldon-Walter?obId=2871912#/obituaryInfo