Walt Wandschneider

Walt Wandschneider, age 86, of Fosston and formerly of Lengby, MN passed away on Sunday (March 1st) at First Care Medical Services in Fosston. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday (March 9th) at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lengby with the Rev. Shawn Stafford officiating. Interment will be in Immanuel Cemetery, rural Lengby. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Sunday (March 8th) at the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home in Fosston. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Military rites will be provided by the Spring Lake V.F.W. Post #2759 of Lengby and arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston. Messages of condolence may be sent at carlinhoialmen.com. Memorials are preferred to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lengby.Walter William Wandschneider was born on July 26, 1922 in Rabey, Minnesota to parents William and Mathilda (Steindorf) Wandschneider. He moved to Lengby, Minnesota with his family in 1931 and graduated from Fosston High School in 1940. Following high school, he worked at Auto-Lite Company in Fosstoria, Ohio where he repaired and maintained factory machines and equipment.Walt entered the United States Army Air Corps in November of 1942, serving as a military police officer in the Southern European Theatre (North Africa and Italy) during World War II. He received his honorable discharge in October of 1945.After his discharge, Walt made his home in Grand Rapids, Minnesota where he worked at National T grocery store until 1951. At that time, he returned to Lengby where he owned and operated Walt's Grocery. He was united in marriage to Barbara Anna Seeber on Aril 12, 1958 in Grand Rapids and together they resided in Lengby. He sold the grocery store in 1961. He then operated the Laundromat in Fosston from 1961 until 1975 and was also an agent for Mutual Service Insurance Company from 1962 until 1967.In 1967, he was appointed Postmaster in Lengby and, in 1974, was appointed the same position in Deer River, Minnesota. He retired as Deer River Postmaster in 1985. While living in Deer River, Walt was very active in the community. He served as Mayor of Deer River from 1986 until 1994 and it was during his time as mayor that the Christmas tree for the White House was selected from the community. He was also active in the Deer River Lion's Club for many years and was a member of the Cenex Co-op Board. His wife, Barbara, passed away on July 31, 2002. Following her passing, Walt moved back to Lengby and then to the Cornerstone Assisted Living Apartments in February of 2008.Walt was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lengby, often serving as delegate at the synod convention. He also taught Friday school, was head usher, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting.Walt passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at First Care Medical Services in Fosston at the age of 86 years, seven months and three days.Survivors include his son, David Wandschneider and his wife, Barbara of Lengby; two grandchildren, Jeff and Cole; four siblings, Jeanette Fenske of Fosston, Martin (Joyce) Wandschneider of Phoenix, AZ, Mata Kilborn of Fosston, and Phronie Olson of Lengby. Nieces and nephews also survive.He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; brother, Herb; and his parents.Pallbearers at the service will be Luverne Lomen, Kenny Lomen, Arne Lomen, Marvel Heide, Don Klinke and Gordy Herrgard.