Elaine Louise (Zeltwanger) Walter, 99, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Sunday, October 2, 2022. 

Elaine was born on December 1, 1922 in Troy, Kansas to Albert and Ruby (Lloyd) Zeltwanger.  She was a lifelong resident of Troy, Wathena area.   

Elaine was a member of the Burr Oak Baptist Church and when it closed she became a member of the First Baptist Church in Wathena.  She was also a member of the Marantha Class at the church and the American Baptist Women (ABW). 

Elaine was a wife and homemaker. 

She was a devoted wife and mother.  She encouraged her children in their studies and school activities.  She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and was a 4-H project leader. 

Elaine also served as an election poll worker. 

She married Bernard James Walter, Sr. on June 27, 1942 in Plattsburg, Missouri.  After 74 years of marriage, Bernard passed on January 8, 2017.  Elaine was also preceded by her parents, brothers, Edwin and Arthur Zeltwanger, sisters, Helen Henry and Norma Briggs. 

Survivors include her children, Rev. Dr. B. James Walter, (Jean) of Reelsville, Indiana 

                         Patsy Benitz (Dan) of Jefferson, Iowa 

                         Betty Hoge (Gary) and Joyce Clibon (Vernon) both of St. Joseph, Missouri 

       Sisters, Luella Briggs, Shirley Hagan both of St. Joseph, Missouri 

                      Darlene Gawatz of Kansas City, Missouri 

        Brothers, Ernest and William Zeltwanger both of St. Joseph, Missouri 

         9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews 

FUNERAL:  Friday  October 7, 2022 – 11:00 A.M. 

            At the First Baptist Church in Wathena, Kansas 

       Interment: Mount Olive Cemetery in Troy, Kansas 

      Visitation; family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the funeral service (10 a.m.-11 a.m.) at the church.  Friends may call at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena after 3 pm Thursday. 

      Memorials: In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the First Baptist Church in Wathena or the Doniphan County Meals on Wheels.  

                         www.harmanrohde.com