Stanley Walter

Stanley (Stan) Winton Walter was born on December 26, 1924 in Sauk Centre, MN to Fred and Philabena (Osterle) Walter. He was the youngest of six boys. Stan grew up in the Westport, MN area and attended English Grove Country School, Villard Elementary School, and Osakis High School where he graduated in 1943. Stan continued his education at Wessington Springs College in South Dakota. Stan grew up with Betty Jones from Osakis, MN. They attended school, church and eventually college together. On March 6, 1947 Stan and Betty were united in marriage at Wessington Springs. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Anita Marie and Brenda Lou. Stan worked in the dairy business for several years, and then, in 1966, he began working for Alexandria Light & Power (ALP) as a meter reader. He later became a Purchasing Agent for ALP. Stan loved his job and his co-workers; he always said it was the best job he had ever had. Stan retired from ALP in 1989, after 23 years of service. Stan loved spending time with family and friends, and he was always up for playing a board or card game such as Uno, Trouble, Dominos and Scrabble. His grandson Justin, who he referred to as ?my boy,? was his favorite Uno partner; his dear brother Fred was his favorite Scrabble partner. Stan also enjoyed writing poetry, listening to music and singing. He wrote many poems over the years about his faith in Jesus Christ, his family and friends, and everyday life ? including some good down-home humor. Stan?s favorite music was Southern Gospel, and in his younger years, he sang some of his favorite Southern Gospel songs as a member of a quartet. At a young age Stan made a commitment to follow Jesus Christ. In past years he served his church as deacon, youth leader and Sunday school teacher, and he was a member of Grace Church in Alexandria, MN. Stan?s commitment to the Lord was evident in the way he lived his life. He had an unwavering faith and a pure heart. On Monday, March 29, 2010 Stan died at the age of eighty-five years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his five brothers, Clifford, Ralph, Kenneth, Roy and Fred, who all died in the sequence of their birth. Stanley is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Betty Walter, of Alexandria; his two daughters, Anita Whitaker and husband, Kevin, of Plymouth, MN and Brenda Walter of Arden Hills, MN; one grandson, Justin Whitaker; and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, April 1, 2010 at Grace Church in Alexandria. Rev. Craig Dahl officiated. Dick & Phyllis Peterson, Ruth Peterson and Vicki Dahl provided music. Internment followed in Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers included Dave Walter, Fred Walter, Clint Walter, Fred Peterson, Bob Jones and Mike Turner. Honorary casket bearers included Stan & Betty?s Anniversary Group, Dave Nelson, Sid Hill, Gary Anderson and Ken Leslie. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.