Submitted by: Dan Rich

Walter Henry DeGeyter

Feb. 4, 1914 - Jan. 22, 2006

South Bend Tribune 1/25/2006

Walter Henry DeGeyter, 91, of Mishawaka, passed after a brief illness on Sunday, January 22, 2006, in Countryside Place, Mishawaka. Walter was born on February 4, 1914, in Mishawaka, as the son of the late Basil and Cyrilla (Christaens) DeGeyter. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Josephine Somnis.

Walter retired in 1976 from Dodge Manufacturing Corporation in Mishawaka after 40 years of service. Walter was a very kind and generous man to everyone all of his life. He would often donate money and time to various charities throughout the community. He would always place others' needs and wants before his own, especially his family and friends. Walter was a World War II and Korean War Army veteran. He was a life member of VFW Post 360 in Mishawaka. He was also very faithful to his church, St. Bavo's. He was a member of the YMCA swim club, Dodge Quarter Century Club, and was an avid outdoorsmen. Walter loved to go camping and fish in different areas of the country.

Walter is survived by four sisters, Leona (Albert) Nemes of Mishawaka, Martha Botos of Mishawaka, Florence Burkhart of South Bend and Gabrielle Poikus of Mishawaka; nine nephews, Albert, Robert, Kenneth and Kurt Nemes, Gary and Dana Botos, Tom and Lynde Burkhart, and Richard Poikus; six nieces, Joan Cook, Cheryl Lane, Cynthia Lehner, Patricia Yost, Susan Young and Diane Egendoerfer; and by 32 great-nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today, January 24, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A wake prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Military rites will be conducted by VFW 360 and the American Legion 161 Burial Squad. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Walter's name be made to the charity of donor's choice.