Walter J. Degenstein • 1925 - 2009

Walter J. Degenstein, 84, Bergen, died Tuesday, August 4, 2009 in a Minot hospital.

Walter was born on February 18, 1925, a son of Peter and Margaret (Wentz) Degenstein in Karlsruhe. He attended country school.

On February 6, 1945, he was united in marriage to Lorrayne Bodine at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Velva. They made their home south of Bergen where they farmed and raised their family. Walter was a hard working farmer, along with working construction, and spending 26 winters working for the Hiway 52 Coal Co. He was always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. Lorrayne passed away October 4, 1999.

Walter was a member of the St. Cecilia Catholic Church, served as a Board Member for the Bergen School for 11 years, was a member of the Voltaire Township Board for 25 years, the Voltaire Elevator Board for 10 years, and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

Family was very important to Walter, as was his life on the farm. He enjoyed dancing with the love of his life, Lorrayne. Walter liked to share stories and tell jokes with any new or old acquaintance. He enjoyed the time he spent managing local softball teams and organizing family reunions. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

His loving family includes: sons, David (Vicki) Degenstein, Hazen, ND, Daniel (Berta) Degenstein, Minot, ND, Bruce (Brenda) Degenstein, Bergen, ND, Robert (Mary) Degenstein, Stanton, ND; daughters, Darla (Leroy) Fricke, Minot, ND, Lucinda Degenstein, Velva, ND; stepson Chuck (Debbie) Bodine, Castle Rock, CO; brothers, Edward (Marge) Degenstein, Lodi, CA, Raymond (Carol) Degenstein, Globe, AZ, Bennie (Joan) Degenstein, Minot, ND; brother-in-law Sherman Smith, Chula Vista, CA; sisters-in-law, Ann Degenstein, Mitchell, SD, Carole Bodine, Gackle, ND; 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, several step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife Lorrayne, his parents Peter and Margaret Degenstein, daughter Charlotte, granddaughter Stephany, brother Leonard, sisters Julia Bergstad, Kate Marback, Betty Smith, and daughter-in-law Diane Degenstein.

Funeral: Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 10:30 am at St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Velva, ND

Burial: Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Velva, ND

Visitation: Friday, August 7, 2009 from 2-7 at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Vigil Prayer Service: Friday, August 8, 2009 at 7 pm in Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot.

Celebrant of the Liturgies: Monsignor Joseph Senger

Music
Opening song "Only A Shadow"
Offertory solo offered by Lucinda Degenstein "Angel"
Communion solo offered by Jack Johnson "In The Garden"
Meditation solo offered by Lucinda Degenstein "Daddy's Hands"
Commendation "Song Of Farewell"
Closing song "Amazing Grace"
Theresa Mosser-Boehm, organist

Honorary Bearers: Walter's children, grandchildren, godchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends

Active Bearers: Mark Degenstein, Quinn Degenstein, Michael Degenstein,Quaid Degenstein, James Degenstein, Cody Degenstein, Craig Fricke, Kyle Leigh, Justin Pool

Those not attending the graveside service are invited to begin the luncheon in the lower level of the church. The family will join you at the conclusion of the graveside service.

Our family would like to thank all of you for your many acts of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time. May God bless the memory of Walter.

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