Walter A. Reichter (1887-1940)

DUERST, MCCUTCHEON, REICHTER, VEST

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:01

The Goldfield Gazette
Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, February 29, 1940

Multitude Offers Final Tribute to Walter Reichter

After a lingering illness of more than a year, accompanied at times with severe suffering, Walter Reichter, a lifelong citizen of this region, died at his home 2 miles northwest of Goldfield, Wednesday morning, Feb. 21st.

The funeral service was held on Friday of last week, at the home at 1:30, and at the Methodist church at 2 o'clock, in charge of L. E. Wilson, undertaker, and conducted by Rev. T. S. Bassett. Mrs. G. G. Braden presided at the piano, and a Male Quartet, composed of neighbor young men, furnished three numbers. There were many beautiful floral tributes.

A very large gathering of relatives and neighbors, and friends from a distance filled the church, thus showing the love and respect in which, the deceased was held. It is sad to see a young man, just in the prime of life, break down, and go so early, for Walter was only 52 years of age at the time of his untimely death.

Burial was made in the Goldfield cemetery. Following is the obituary as read in the service.

On April 18th, 1887, in the home of Mr .and Mrs. Jacob Reichter, on a farm in the Goldfield community; a baby boy was born and named Walter A. Reichter. This little boy grew normally through the years of childhood and youth and reached up to young manhood in the parental home.

On February 24th, 1909, he was married to Miss Ethel Vest and set to farming on his own account. The new home was made first west of Goldfield, but for most of the time of their married life they have lived on the present farm, two miles northwest of here. Two children, a girl and a boy, were born of this union, Lorine, now Mrs. Lawrence McCutcheon, and Wendell, the latter being still at home with his parents, and working the farm.

Walter Reichter was a sturdy, steady hard working man, entirely devoted to his home life and farm activities. At it, always at it, and never relaxing while any field work or a single chore was to be done. Thus, he gained a farm home for himself and family. But more, he gained the respect and esteem of his neighbors and acquaintances, near and far, as a man of rugged character and upright dealing.

About a year and a half ago, Walter began ailing. He sought medical aid locally, then in Fort Dodge and Rochester. Two operations gave some temporary relief, but he was unable to gain full health and strength. Through many months he gradually weakened, suffering greatly at times. On Wednesday morning, Feb. 21st, 1940, the end of his earthly life came, at the age of 52 years, 10 months and 3 days.

He is mourned by his wife, who has very tenderly cared for him during his illness, his two children, two grandchildren, Robert and Marilyn McCutcheon, one sister, Mrs. Florence Duerst, two brothers, Asa H. and Homer J. Reichter, and other relatives and a wide circle of close friends and neighbors. Of the immediate family and near relatives, all are residents of Goldfield community, except his brother. Homer, whose home is at Ionia, Michigan.

There is sadness through the community because of Walter's going and particularly, at his going in the prime of life.