Obituary

Walter W. Wegele, 86, died on Tuesday (Dec. 14, 2010) at Newton Medical Center.

He was born on June 26, 1924, in Russell County to Solomon and Lydia (Bitter) Wegele. On Oct. 14, 1945, he married Georgina Rein at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, and she survives of the home. Walter was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Newton and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Russell. He was a former member of United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger. His faith was important to him, and he served on various committees in his churches. Walter retired as a farmer and stockman in 1993 and moved into Russell. In 2001, he and his wife moved to Newton. He enjoyed spending time traveling with his wife and repairing things around the farm and home. His family was important to him, and he greatly enjoyed spending time with his loving family and many friends.

He also is survived by his daughters, Kathleen and Roger Rader of Weatherford, Okla., Nadine and David Bieker of North Newton, and Marleen and Charles Farmer of Snohomish, Wash.; one brother, Leonard Wegele of Ellis; sisters, Esther and Marvin Dumler of Loveland, Colo., and Viola and Raymond Wagner of Otis; brothers-in-law, Allen and Lavara Rein of Johnstown, Colo., and Marlin and Sherry Rein of Clinton, Mo.; sister-in-law, Talia Ann and Herbert Karst of Newton; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one step-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother; stepmother, Bertha Wegele; brother, Otto Wegele; and sisters-in-law, Christina and Alvina Wegele.

Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday, with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Zion Lutheran Church in Newton with the Rev. Aaron Filipek presiding. A graveside committal service will be at 3 p.m. Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Russell. Local services in Russell will be handled by Pohlman Varner Peeler Mortuary. Memorials may be left with Zion Lutheran Church in Newton, St. John’s Lutheran Church of Russell or United Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Melvern, in care of Petersen Funeral Home or Pohlman Varner Peeler Mortuary in Russell.