Virgil R. Walstra “Woody” / “Duke”, of Chesterton, passed away Saturday,
March 3, 2007 at Porter Valparaiso Hospital Campus. He was 79.
He was born Nov. 6, 1927 the son of Thomas E. and Ida M. (Teeple) Walstra,
both of whom preceded him in death.
In Sept. 1950, he married Ruth Carpenter, who survives in Chesterton.
He is also survived by a son, Doug (Paula) Walstra, of Portage; a daughter,
Cindy (Joe) Wall, of Chesterton; four grandchildren, Doug Walstra II,
Jessica (John) Taylor, Joe Wall and Matthew Wall; six great-grandchildren,
Abbey, Izzy, Autumn, Cole, Bianca and Teagan.
He was also preceded in death by brothers Sam and Thomas “Bud” Walstra and
sisters Augusta “Tootie” Woynarowski and Blanche Williams.
Duke was a member and Past-Master of Calumet Masonic Lodge #379 F&AM, of
Chesterton. He was retired from Ironworkers Local #395, and Operating
Engineers Local #150 with 50 years service. He was an Army Veteran having
fought in the Korean Conflict. He will be remembered for his love of fishing
and vegetable gardening.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 7 at White-Love Funeral
Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at White-Love Funeral
Home. A Masonic Memorial Service will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral
home.
Memorials may be given in Duke’s Memory to a Memorial Fund yet to be
determined.
For information, please call 926-1309.
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Posted 3/5/2007
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