Walter Peter Kuechle, of Jordan, passed away on January 22, 2015 at the age of 89. The visitation is Monday, January 26, 2015 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 2:00 PM with visitation one hour prior at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan. Father Timothy Yanta will preside. Pall bearers for Walter are Frank Kuechle, Paul Kuechle, Phil Kuechle, James Jeurrisen, Gary Stephens, Chris Ed and Eric Jones. Walter will be laid to rest at St. John’s Calvary Cemetery in Jordan.
It was a beautiful fall day in St. Joseph on October 3, 1925 when George and Susan (Hommerding) Kuechle celebrated the birth of their son, Walter P. Kuechle. He loved growing up on the family farm with his siblings, Odelia, Othmar, Apollonia, Valeria and his twin brother, Albert. Walter attended school through the 8 th grade when he began working full time on the family farm.
As a dedicated American, Walter proudly served his county during WWII as a member of the United States Army. During his time stationed in Japan, Walter exchanged a number of letters with a special girl back home, Clara Stemig. As soon as Walter returned to the states, things got serious between him and Clara. They exchanged wedding vows on November 5, 1947. Walter and Clara were blessed with five wonderful children, Sandy, Frank, Jan, Paul, and Phil.
As a family they enjoyed weekend trips up to the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes. They’d fish, boat, camp and enjoy the time they spent together as a family. Walter also took the family on many cave tours over the years. By the time the kids were grown they had toured every cave in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Walter loved his community, and he was well-known around town as the Milk Man for Oak Grove Dairy. He later got a job working at the local school as the maintenance supervisor. Walter also had many other jobs over the years. He worked as a carpenter, drove school bus and was a parts runner. He also worked at the post office, grocery store and car dealership in town. No matter what Walter was doing, he applied the strong work ethic he developed back on the family farm.
In his free time Walter enjoyed playing cards with his buddies. They had a standing “Monday Night Card Game.” He also enjoyed attending dances with Clara. Walter loved to drive, so he and Clara went on many road trips over the years. One of their favorites was to the Cranberry Boggs in Wisconsin. Whether it was a trip to California, camping out at the state fair, or just a weekend getaway, they always had a wonderful time together. Walter was an active member of the Jordan Honor Guard and a lifelong member of St. John’s Catholic Church.
During the early morning hours of Thursday, January 22, 2015 Walter went to be with the Lord. He was a loving husband, caring father and wonderful grandpa. He will be deeply missed and remembered always by his wife of 67 years, Clara Kuechle; children, Sandra (James) Jeurrisen, Frank (JoAnn) Kuechle, Janice (Gary) Stephens, Paul (Nancy) Kuechle, Philip (Michele) Kuechle; granddaughters, Amy (Eric) Jones, Jessica Prochaska, Lindsey Prochaska, Lisa (Chris) Ed, Lynn Kuechle; great-grandchildren, Emmalyn and Alex; sister, Valeria Wolf; sister-in-law, Andrina Kuechle; other loving relatives and friends.
The Kuechle family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral& Cremation.
