During the 1800’s, two Walter brothers, Benjamin and William, migrated from Iowa to a homestead southeast of Lincoln, Kansas. Shortly after this move, William passed away. Then after a time, Ben met and was married to Lena VonFange of Lincoln. To this marriage, five boys and twin girls were born. Of these seven children, four boys survived. William, Henry, Theodor, and George were raised in Lincoln County and grew up to have families of their own.
On Friday, July 5, 2024, a Walter Reunion was held at The Garage in Salina. Sixty-eight people attended this event, representing several generations of the family. There were no family members present from the William and George Walter families. Representing the Henry Walter family was Elvira (Walter) Miller, 96, accompanied by her son Danny and spouse, all of Olathe, KS; Gerald Walter, 93, accompanied by friend Marilyn Bell, his son Chad Walter and wife Christy, son Derek Walter, and nephew Randy Lohmann, all of Lincoln.
Representing the Theodor Walter family was Howard Walter, 96, of Loveland, CO; Helen and Eldon Likkel of Lakewood, FL; Gary and Linda Walter of Castle Rock, CO; Pat Erickson and Don Wilson of Arvada, CO; Lucille (Walter) Farrar, 95, of DeSoto, KS; Jim and Kerry Mueller, Derek and Amanda Mueller and children, Luke and Jessica Mueller and boys, all of Linwood, KS; Lester Walter, 91, and wife Lois of Sylvan Grove; Ray and Shelly Keller of Sylvan Grove; Michael and Jessica Endsley and children of Cross Plains, WI; Gaylon and Margaret Walter of Russell; Ben and Dru Walter and children of Wichita; Alan and Britney English and boys of Lindsborg, KS; Bailee Fosse of Wichita; Brennan Walter of Edmond, OK; Angie Basgall and Dave Wisneski of Shawnee, KS; Dale Walter, 89, and wife Judy of Salina; Allen and Renee Walter of Manhattan; Blake and Nicholle Walter and boys of Granger, IA; Brian Walter of Salina; Brent and Rosie Walter, Evan Walter and fiancé Kelsey Moore, Ean Walter and fiancé Samantha Heath, all of Salina. Also joining the group was Jan (Rinkel) Dieffenbach and Herb Rinkel, both of Clearwater, FL, cousins to the children of Theodor Walter on their mother Anita’s side of the family.
Everyone enjoyed visiting, laughter, looking at old pictures, a meal catered by Hog Wild, cake, family photos, and exploring the exhibits at The Garage.
