Walinga, Elmer, 1917-1987

WALINGA, PATER

Posted By: Lydia Lucas-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/1/2011 at 07:59:02

SHELDON--Elmer Walinga, 69, of Sheldon passed away March 20 in Sioux Falls, SD.

Services were conducted at the Andringa Funeral Home of Sheldon on Tuesday, March 24 at 2 p.m. The Rev. J. Mark Beach officiated. Burial was at East Lawn Cemetery under the direction of the Andringa Funeral Home of Sheldon.

Mr. Walinga, son of Wilbert and Ollie (Ella) Walinga, was born Nov. 18, 1917. He lived his youth and attended school in Northwest Iowa. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant. He served in many battles and campaigns and received many citations and decorations including the American Defense Service Ribbon, European, African, Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon, one silver and two bronze battle stars, bronze service arrowhead, five overseas service bars, one service stripe, lapel button and good conduct medal.

He was married to Gertie Pater of Sheldon in 1955 in South Dakota. They lived in the Sheldon area following their marriage.

He is survived by his two sons, Delmer Walinga of Alton, Delbert Walinga of Sheldon; two stepdaughters, Donna Endorf of Sanborn, Linda (Mrs. Ron) Hamiester of Lytton; a brother Kenneth Walinga of Windom, MN; and a sister, Flossie (Mrs. Jack) Cooper of Reading, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two sisters, and two brothers.

Source: Sioux Center News, March 25, 1987.