Walter Walz

Walter J. "Buddy" Walz, age 87 of Greenwald, died peacefully on Friday, February 23, 2007, at his home in Greenwald.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, February 26 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Greenwald with Rev. Pascal Otieno Ounga officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 8 to 10 a.m. on Monday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Melrose Knights of Columbus will pray at 6 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 8 p.m. Sunday evening.

Walter Walz was born July 29, 1919 in Lake George Township, Stearns County on his parent's farm. He was the son of Joseph and Caroline (Deters) Walz. He married Leona Worms on August 24, 1943 in Meire Grove, Minnesota. The couple farmed near Greenwald until 1996 when they retired and moved to town. Buddy loved farming and in his spare time, went ice fishing. He entertained his family and friends with humorous jokes, tall tales, and lots of laughter. He always had music in his heart and a song on his lips. He was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Greenwald, St. Michael's Men's Society, and the Melrose Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his children, Marilyn Lieser and her husband, Eldred of Regal, Clarine Beier of Greenwald, David Walz of Greenwald, Anita Burg and her husband, Steve of St. Martin and Deb Keller and her husband, Pat of Greenwald; 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; brother, Sylvester of Sartell; and sister, Bertha of Arizona.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Leona Walz on March 13, 2005; son, Daniel; sister, Martha Felling; and brothers, Joe, Frank, Pete, Mike, Eddie, Lindy, and Ray Walz.

Serving as casket bearers will be Doug Beier, Jason Beier, Scott Burg, Denise Wuertz, Curt Lieser, Kyle Burg, Brian Keller, and Heather Schroeder. Serving as cross bearer will be Kim Flannigan and scripture bearer will be Cassie Keller. Gift bearers will be Amy Proell, Rachel Burg, and Danielle Burg. Readers will be Cassie Keller and Heidi Riley. Petitions will be read by Steph Lieser. A remembrance poem will be read by Cheryl Strelow. Eucharistic Minister will be Jackie Ohmann. Honorary bearers will be Adam Van Beck, Ray Worms, Melvin Worms, Ray Imdieke, Jackie Ohmann, Tony Kulzer, and Tom Klaphake.