McIntosh, Walter Harold 1940 - 2024

MCINTOSH, SCHAVE, ROWE, ODOM, ZITTERICH, DAVISON, BROW, LITTLE, OLSON, GOSSICK, HOVEY

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/3/2024 at 14:53:53

U. S. Veteran
Walter H. McIntosh of Decorah and formerly Lime Springs, passed away peacefully at Aase Haugen Sr. Services on Sunday, March 10, 2024. He was 83.

A Memorial service will be held on June 8th, 2024, at 11:00 am at Helms Funeral home in Decorah IA with visitation 1 hr. prior to service and Burial will be in the Phelps Cemetery.

Walter Harold McIntosh was born October 18, 1940, son of Harold and Bernice (Schave) McIntosh in Decorah. He received his elementary education at Canoe #7 in northern Winneshiek County and then attended and graduated from Decorah High School in 1958. Upon graduating he then entered the United States Army, serving his country and was stationed in Korea in 1959 – 1960. He was honorably discharged in 1962 and returned to Decorah. Upon his return, he opened and operated “Mac’s 66” Phillips 66 station with his father Harold McIntosh. He met his future wife, Beverly Rowe that same year and they were united in marriage on November 17, 1962. To this marriage, two children were born. Theresa in 1964 and Keith in 1966. In 1966, the family moved to the family farm north of Decorah where Walter farmed raising corn, oats and alfalfa along with raising hogs, cattle and had a large 4,000 hen-laying house. A lot of hard work, perseverance and love of the land went into running the farm and, over the years, Walter was honored with the Outstanding Young Farmer Award from the Decorah Jaycees in 1972. He was also a member and past president of the local Pork Producers Association in Winneshiek County. Walter was also active with the Decorah Elks Club, BPOE #443, holding several offices including serving as Exalted Ruler and as a trustee.

Walt and Bev enjoyed hosting Norwegian exchange student Kjell Stolen in 1982/83. They also enjoyed having their “extra” kids, Tim Alberts and Lorry (Jacobson) Kohls and many others come to the farm over the years.

In 1984, Walter took employment at A&K Feed and Grain Co. In Lime Springs and the family moved from the farm, first to Chester and then to Lime Springs, IA. He was very active in the community over the years. In 1992, Walter was elected Mayor of Lime Springs and served the community in this capacity until 2010. While mayor, Walter served on many county and local committees, including the Iowa League of Cities as a board member. He also served on church committees over the years.

Walter spent the last 7 years at Aase Haugen Senior Services where he served as the President to the resident counsel. He also had a love for gardening and had a couple raised gardens in the Courtyard, which he tended to daily along with watering and caring for all the flowers and the raised box that he made into a red, white and blue flag with flowers. He also loved to share the vegetables and produce from the garden with residents at mealtime.

Over the years, Walter and wife Beverly were able to enjoy trips to Mexico, Scotland, Canada and numerous trips around the US with their motor home.

Walter was a member of Lime Springs, IA Legion Post #545 1984-2017 and a member of the Cresco VFW #4561.

Left to cherish his memory are his two children, Theresa Odom (Dan Zitterich, S.O.) of Graettinger, IA; Keith (Angie) McIntosh of Harmony, MN. Five grandchildren, Maya Odom (Greg Davison) Omaha, NE; John Odom (Kyra Brow) Council Bluffs, IA. Tiffany (Shane) Little, Victoria (Chad) Olson and Katelyn (Dylan) Gossick. Six great grandchildren. Caden and Tyler Olson. Brendin and Marshall Odom; Adalynn Little and Wren Gossick.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; parents Harold and Bernice (Schave) McIntosh; brother Robert McIntosh, sister Vera Hovey and son-in-law James Odom Jr.

Source: Helms Funeral Home database

Phelps Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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