James Allyn Walter

LUANA -- Amazing Grace has called Dad home. James Allyn Walter, 85, of Luana, passed away June 19, 2024 at the ICU in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

A funeral service was Saturday, June 29 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona with Rev. Erika Lenth as the officiant. Burial was at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Monona.

James Allyn Walter was born on March 28, 1939 to Glen and Emma (Huckstadt) Walter at the Postville Hospital. He was baptized, May 7, 1939 and confirmed, in 1953, at St. John Lutheran Church in Farmersburg. He attended grade school at the Eno school just north of his home farm. He finished high school in ‘57 at Luana where he played basketball and baseball. He took over the farm at a very early age.

In 1954 he met and courted his lifelong love, Judith Elaine Krambeer. He proposed, and they were married on September 18, 1959. Judy joined him on the home farm south of Luana. They ‘danced their way’ through 64 years of children, card clubs, milking cows, baling hay, and plowing fields. He was fiercely dedicated to family, church council, fair boards, National YCers Dairy Board, neighbors, class of ‘57, Old Timers softball team, neighborhood Kings and Queens softball team, Suckows Dairy Equipment and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Many mornings and nights, Dad would milk early so he could attend our ballgames, stage shows, fair cattle shows, and concerts. He was always in the crowd with mom shouting support and beaming with pride. This dedication carried on to the next generation as they traveled many hours to cheer on their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He supported us each to follow our individual paths while instilling a sense of passion and responsibility for ‘the farm’ where he lived and grew for all of his 85 years. It has been in the Walter family for over 175 years and will live on through the stories, buildings, trees, and landscape we tend to.

Dad enjoyed a good social gathering and was a card shark- beating us in 4 straight games of euchre just 2 weeks ago! He was also very fond of 500, pinochle, pepper and, of course, Sheephead. He learned to play that at a young age with the Huckstadt elders-we heard stories. Every family gathering and holiday generally ended after several hours playing one of these games.

He and Mom were fortunate to travel to many places and dance many hours. "Could I Have This Dance for the Rest of My Life" has new meaning as Mom and family held his hand into eternal slumber.

Left to cherish his memories and gifts are his wife of 64 years, Judy Walter, Luana; Three Children: Lisa (Randy) Lenth, St. Olaf; Lori (Victor) Glawe, Windsor Heights; Lary Walter, Monona; Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren: Abby (Jeremiah) Glawe Tuttle with Lila and Harrison, Des Moines; Andrea (Colby) Glawe Fangman with Rane and a December baby, Ames; Jacob (Emily) Walter, Kansas City, Missouri; and Christopher Glawe, Des Moines; Sisters-in-law: Marilyn Baade and Jeanette Krambeer; and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Lester and Phyliss (Drahn) Krambeer; sister, Joann Hoth; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Duane and Verda Lamker; brothers-in-law LuVerne Krambeer, Gene Baade, and Duane Hoth. Many card club friends, classmates, and fair board members will welcome him home.

Memorials can be made to the Clayton County Fair in Jim’s name or the Monona St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Thanks for the memories and support, Dad! Rest in Peace.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Monona is assisting the family with services.

Click here to visit the Leonard-Grau Funeral Home website.