Walter R. Germann

MSG (Ret) Walter R."Walt" Germann, 80, passed away on April 14, 2016 at his residence. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Laurie Barnes officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Inurnment will follow at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been designated to the First United Methodist Church, 804 N Jefferson St., Junction City, KS 66441 and/or the Junction City South Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 3123, Junction City, KS 66441.

Walter was born January 29, 1936 in Albion, Illinois to Christian and Ada (Michels) Germann. Shortly after graduating high school in 1954 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). He was discharged from the USMC in 1957 and married Blanche (Peggy) Price and they later divorced. Walt attended Eastern Illinois University for two years and after college worked in various finance jobs until he decided to rejoin the military ranks. He joined the United States Army in 1963 and he retired in 1983 with the rank of Master Sergeant (E8). While serving in the military, life took him and his family all over the world to include multiple tours of Europe as well as serving in Vietnam during the conflict. After retiring from the Army he continued to work for the federal government – first as a civil servant in St. Louis and then transferring to the postal service where he became Post Master of Vienna, Missouri, retiring for a second time in 1997. That same year, Walt and Judy moved back to Junction City permanently. During his free time he crocheted and made Afghans for all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. When not crocheting, he loved to travel visiting Israel, Egypt, China, Japan, Australia, Holland, Austria, Italy, France, Thailand and Korea. He continued to maintain associations with the military through life time memberships in the Disabled American Veterans, Veteran's of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post #12 in Vienna, Missouri where he was the Post Historian. While living in Vienna, Walt was also active in the Lions club.

An extremely active member of the Junction City South Kiwanis club, he served as Lt Governor, Division 4, of the Kansas Kiwanis District, Club President, and was currently serving as the Club Treasurer. He enjoyed working to improve life for the children of the community through his work with Kiwanis programs and was instrumental in the operation of the Kiwanis USD 475 Most Improved Student awards.

Married to Judy for more than 50 years, Walter is survived by his loving wife of the home, six children, Tracy (Sean Villaflor) Locklear of Columbus, Georgia, Mary Beth (Andrew) Ritchason of Pompano Beach, Florida, Chris (Patty) Germann of Greensboro, North Carolina , James "Jim" (SeHee) Germann of Junction City, Susan (Mark) Roberts of Junction City and Daniel (Lana) Germann of Vienna, Missouri, 12 grandchildren; Lauren (Bryant) Boothe, Philip Locklear Nina Locklear, Max Ritchason, Christi Germann, Brittney Germann, Jennifer (Ja'Mal Stewart) Germann, Rebecca (Travis Taylor) Germann, Kathrine (Michael) Johns, Victoria (Brandon) Gorr, Loni Kay (Galen Pederson) Germann, Christine Germann, as well as 9 great-grand children: Jaden Paul, Brilee Boothe, Audre Boothe, Cheyenne Jacobs, Alexis Simmons, Marley Taylor, Malakai Johnson, Makenzie Johnson and Riley Gorr, Additional surviving family includes brother, Charles (Chuck) Germann, his wife Teresa of Eureka, Illinois, sister-in-law Marsha Love of Portland, Oregon, one niece and four nephews.

Preceding Walt in death are his mother and father, brother Lawrence (Eldon) Germann and his wife Jane.

Honorary Pallbearer will be Mr. Robert (Bob) Kendall.

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