Willard H. Waltner, of North Newton, died on Tuesday (May 10, 2011) at the age of 101.
He was born on Sept. 10, 1909, in Freeman, S.D., to Emil J. Waltner and Mary Goering Waltner. On Aug. 8, 1931, he married Florence Adelia Leigh in Santee, Neb.
Willard lived most of his life in the Freeman area, operating a dairy farm and then working as a freelance photo-journalist. He and Florence moved to Kidron Bethel Village in 1994.
He graduated from Yankton College in South Dakota, where he was active in the Conservatory of Music. A life-long member of Salem Mennonite Church in Freeman, he taught Sunday school, served as a deacon and directed the Men's Chorus for more than 25 years.
Since moving to Kansas, he attended Bethel College Mennonite Church, where he particularly appreciated the music and the fellowship of his Sunday school class.
Survivors include two daughters and their husbands, Winona and Leslie Senner of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Dianne and Anthony Epp of North Newton; four grandchildren, Christopher Senner, Kerry Ferris and spouse, Randy, Alain Epp Weaver and spouse, Sonia, Rachel Epp Buller and spouse, Tim; and five great-grandchildren, Samuel and Katherine Epp Weaver, and also Daniel, Daisy and Lucy Buller.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence; an infant son, Emil; his parents, Emil J. and Mary Waltner; and one sister, Elma Waltner. The family wishes to gratefully recognize the support and caring of long-time friends in the North Newton community, Ethel Kaufman, Fern Goering and Walter and Mary Ann Jost.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Bethel College Mennonite Church.
Memorials may be designated for Kidron Bethel Retirement Village or Bethel College, and left with Petersen Funeral Home.
