Walter Vomhof

Walter Vomhof was born August 12, 1922 and returned to God's arms on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

At the age of 5, Walt was adopted from a Minneapolis orphanage by Reverend Amandus and Augusta Vomhof and was soon joined by siblings James, Carroll, and Arlene. Walt spent the majority of his youth in North Dakota, graduating from Ellendale High School, North Dakota in 1940. Upon graduation, Walt enlisted in the U.S. Navy and entered into World War II aboard the USS Honolulu in the South Pacific. He was extremely proud of his service to his country and enjoyed talking about this period in his life. After surviving the torpedoing of his ship by the Japanese, he often said he no longer feared death. Upon his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Walt attended Gustavus Adolphus in St. Peter, MN. graduating in 1952 with a degree in Accounting.

Walt spent the majority of his adult life working in Fort Dodge, Iowa as an Accountant for various companies. After remaining a bachelor for many years, Walt met and married Marjorie Jessen in December, 1963. Marge suffered a debilitating stroke 10 years later and Walt faithfully cared for her for the remainder of her life. In the early 1980’s, Walt retired and they moved to his brothers home in Branson, Missouri. Despite Marge walking very slowly and with a cane, they attended countless shows and musical performances, with Walt patiently walking step by step with her. He enjoyed telling the tale of walking with Marge across a busy street in Branson, when Johnny Cash jumped out of his limousine and slowly walked he and Marge across the street.

Following Marge’s passing, Walt lived with family in Olathe, Kansas and Plymouth, Minnesota, before eventually settling in Albert Lea with his sister Arlene Murray and family. Walt resided at the Senior Court for 20 years, making many friends along the way. At the age of 97, Walt decided he was “too old” to live alone and moved to The Woodlands at St. John’s, where he resided for the remainder of his life. He was proud of the fact that he lived to be 100, receiving birthday cards from all over the world. Walt was a quiet man, who loved classical music and a good novel, even up to the last months of his life.

Walt is survived by his sister Arlene Murray; sisters-in-laws Judy Vomhof and Pat Vomhof; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special niece Ann Colstrup, husband Tim and sons Sὃren and Erik, who loved Walt unconditionally. He is also survived by special friends Sandy and Chuck Stephens.

Walt was proceeded in death by his parents Reverend Amandus and Augusta Vomhof; brothers James and Carroll; brother-in-law Loren Murray and his beloved dog Otto.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at The Woodlands for the friendship and excellent care they provided to Walt, particularly during the last week of his life. A heartfelt thank you to the Activities staff, Chaplain Don Malinsky, Judy Duquet, Fallon Thom, Sandy Stephens and Emily Benson for opening Walt’s window to set his soul free, and for ensuring Walt was listening to classical music during his passing.

Per Walt’s wishes, a private burial with family will be held for both Walt and his wife Marge on August 17, 2023 at the Lakewood Cemetery with Pastor Tom Murray presiding.