Mr. Walther received a Bachelor of Science degree from Concordia University, Seward, NE, a Master’s of Science degree from the University of Michigan, and his Ph.D. from Indiana University. He spent many years as a teacher, a principal, a superintendant, and a professor. He taught at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL, and was an assistant-superintendent and superintendent in the Vandalia, Illinois public school system. He was also the Director of the Area Agency on Aging in Belleville, IL.
Paul was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Belleville, IL, where he was a member of various boards and committees. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
He was preceded in death by his parents; F.J. and Amanda, nee Woempner, Walther; and a brother, Richard Walther.
Surviving are his loving wife of 59 years, Ruth, nee Michael, Walther, whom he married on June 25, 1955;
one son, Reverend Michael (Carol) Walther of Maryville, IL;
two daughters, Susan (Mike) Garrison of Litchfield, IL,
and Kathy (Tim) Weber of St. Charles, MO;
eight grandchildren, Aaron, David, Paul (Laurie), Stephen, and Lydia Walther,
Blake Garrison,
Adam and Sydney Weber;
two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Casen Walther;
one sister, Hildegarde (Marvin) Brammeire;
three brothers, Wayne (Marlyn) Walther,
John (Caroline) Walther,
and Daniel (Kathy) Walther,
and two sisters-in-law, Doris Walther,
and Marilyn Michael.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, to the Lutheran Laymen League, or to the Lutherans for Life. Condolences may be expressed online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1810 McClintock Ave., Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL, with Pastors Brian Downs, Michael Walther, and Dr. Darwin Schrader officiating.
At Paul’s request, his body was donated to Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.
Condolences Left For Paul Walther
Our sympathies to the family.
Andre & Marie Voges, Evansville, IL, 62242
I am praying for you Ruth, Pastor, Carol and all, that God’s peace and hope will be yours as you grieve your loss of Paul’s presence with you here. Rejoicing with you that our earthly fathers are with our Heavenly Father, rejoicing eternally in the presence of the Son through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Sue Hasselbring, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 47500
I thank God for the life of Paul Walther and I pray God’s comfort for the family.
William Cochran, Ballwin, MO, 63021
Prayers offered on behalf of the Walther family, especially, lifting Pastor Michael and family on the loss of a father. And yet knowing there is rejoicing that a saint has arrived to his place of eternal residence and joy.
Dennis Kutzner, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46825
Dear Ruth, Michael & Carol,
God be with you and comfort you with the assurance that Paul is in Heaven with his Lord and Savior. I know you will miss him greatly. He was a strong servant of his God and a loving family man. My love and thoughts are with your family.
Ruth Ann Brinkmann, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708