Walter Herman Rodke

Walter H. Rodke was born on February 19, 1959 to Raymond and Shirley in St. Paul, MN. He attended school at Easton Heights in St. Paul until moving to Amery in 1972, where Joseph Lenz became part of his family.

Walt loved life, and lived it to the fullest extent. He loved his wife, Wendy, and they were blessed with nineteen years of marriage. He also loved his children, his grandchildren, and his great-granddaughter Emma was the light of his eye. Family was so important to him, and was not limited by blood. He accepted anyone and everyone unconditionally and welcomed them as family. Walt was well known for his huge smile, laughter and big bear hugs. Everyone could expect to be welcomed into a big hug upon seeing him.

He had a lot of hobbies, including ice fishing, golf and a love for racing. His life was a road of trials and struggles, ups and downs, but Walt had overcome those by the grace of God. When Jesus saved him, all was forgiven and a new life had begun. He loved his church family, and his church, but especially God. He was always thankful for the gift of salvation from God, and is no doubt smiling and laughing and worshipping his Savior in heaven.

Walter leaves to celebrate his memory: wife, Wendy, Amery, WI; mother, Shirley Lenz, Amery, WI; father, Raymond Rodke, Apple Valley, MN; children: Cassie (Matt) Hayman, New Castle, WY; Jake Rodke (Abby Thiel), Osceola, WI; Calvin Rodke, Osceola, WI; Jeremy (Heidi) Schadow, Amery, WI; Ryan Schadow (Christie McGrane), Amery, WI; Sarah (Jim) Carnes, Milltown, WI; grandchildren: Brylee, Cole, Isaiah, Jalen, Riley, Ivy, Katie, Leah and Brody, great granddaughter, Emma, brothers: Charles (Susan) Rodke, Eagan, MN; John (Jodi) Rodke, Amery, WI; William Rodke (Joanne Swenson), Milltown, WI; Randy (Denise) Lenz, Luck, WI; Joseph Lenz Jr.  Lake Elmo, MN; Steven Lenz, in Washington, and many other loving family members and friends.

Services for Walter were held on Saturday, December 29 at East Balsam Baptist Church.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.