Obituary of Walter F. Elder

Walter F. Elder Jr., 79, Muscatine, died Saturday, July 23, 2005, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City. The Rev. Jaye Johnson will officiate the services with the Rev. Ena Antunez assisting. After the services, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the Spangler Chapel. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, at Nichols Cemetery, with military services by the combined squad of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the Elder family at www.wittichfuneralhome.com. Mr. Elder was born March 12, 1926, in Nichols, the son of Walter F. and Vera M. Menzer Elder. He married Vera A. Knoll on July 6, 1952, in Nichols. He was a veteran of the Korean conflict, serving in the U.S. Army from 1950-52. He retired from Bandag in 1983, after 24 1/2 years working as a super utilities consultant. He also delivered food for Senior Resources. He was a member of Fellowship United Methodist Church n Spangler Chapel, DAV in Davenport, Muscatine American Legion and Moose Lodge No. 388. He camped for more than 40 years and was a Cub fan. He loved to dance and tease his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife; three sons, Joe Walter Elder, Jeffrey Roy Elder and wife Diane and Leland John Elder and wife Lisa, all of Muscatine; two daughters, Fae Arlene Elder and Tina Louise Elder, both of Muscatine; four grandchildren, Sarena, Chad, Heidi and Rachel Elder; two great-grandchildren, Brady and Braiden Elder; and a brother, Willard Elder and wife Joan of Reno, Nev. He was preceded in death by his parents.