Obituaries

Richard E. Walther

Photo of Richard E. Walther
Mr. Richard E. Walther, age 77 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Saturday, August 11, 2012, at St. Mary's Health Center. Rich was born December 5, 1934, in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of Elmer J. and Margaret Goller Walther. He was married on June 30, 1956, in Jefferson City, Mo., to Lucille H. Schnieders. A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Rich graduated from Trinity Lutheran School. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Rich was employed as a salesman with Roark Aluminum for 40 years prior to his retirement in 1996. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the grass cutting team for many years. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Oliver Buehrle Post 17 and the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5. He loved to put his headset on and listen to the radio talk shows. He walked faithfully everyday and would check on the progress of the construction projects on the east side. He loved to tinker and could fix anything. He was our "go to" dad and he made the best barbeque chicken! He was very proud of his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. He enjoyed attending all of their activities. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs fan. He was the best husband, dad, and grandpa anyone could ask for and will be greatly missed. Survivors include: his wife of 56 years, Lucille Walther; three daughters, Brenda K. Verslues and her husband Wayne of Jefferson City, Mo., Julie A. Lueckenhoff and her husband Tim of Jefferson City, Mo., and Lori A. Storms and her husband Tom of Jefferson City, Mo.; one son, Steven R. "Walley" Walther and his fiancÈe, Julie Schulte of Jefferson City, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Melissa R. Birdno and her husband Scott, Jared W. Verslues, Tyler J. Lueckenhoff, Danielle E. Lueckenhoff, Tanner S. Lueckenhoff, Samuel T. Storms, and Jacob A. Storms; two great-grandchildren, Ian F. Birdno and Evan S. Birdno; one sister, Virginia Mae Beck of Jefferson City, Mo.; three brothers-in-law, Robert Schnieders and his wife Carolyn, Tom Schnieders and his wife Carla, and Curt Schnieders; one sister-in-law, Sandra Holzer and her husband Marvin. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert Walther and Raymond John Walther. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 14, 2012, and at Trinity Lutheran Church from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 15, 2012. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Reverend Russ Bowder officiating. Graveside services and entombment with military honors will be conducted at the Mausoleum of Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Calvary Lutheran High School or Helias Catholic High School. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com

Published August 14, 2012