Obit: Hardrath, Walter W. (1917 - 2008)

Poster: Robert Lipprandt

Email: rloss@bellsouth.net

Surnames: Edwards, Gueths, Hardrath, Kuester, Reno, Schulz, Tarras, Treptow

----Source: The Star News (Medford, Taylor Co., WI) Thursday, July 10, 2008, Online Edition

----Hardrath, Walter W. (September 28, 1917 - July 1, 2008)

Walter W. Hardrath, age 90, of Shawano, formerly of Spencer, passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at a local nursing home.

Born on September 28, 1917 in Riplinger, he was the son of the late Henry and Ann (Kuester) Hardrath.

In 1936 Walter graduated from Marshfield High School and three years later attended the UW-Stout Trade School program. After trade school, he farmed for a number of years on the family farm.

In July of 1941 Walter was united in marriage to Mary Edwards and together the couple made their home in the Spencer area. In 1954 he opened up a gas station and body shop on Highway 13 and ran it until the mid 1960s. Walter then worked for Pathfinder Mobil Homes and later Pittsville Homes, retiring in 1978. On February 8, 1993 Mary preceded Walter in death, and shortly after he moved to the Shawano area. Walter was very talented regarding all metals and woods and enjoyed carpentry work. He was known as a "jack of all trades."

Walter is survived by two daughters, Fay Reno of Abbotsford and Donna (Tom) Gueths of Shawano; 12 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Nona Schulz and Fern Treptow; his parents; three brothers; and two sisters.

Funeral services were held Sunday, July 6 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Spencer, with Rev. Rebekah Tarras officiating. Burial was at West Spencer Cemetery. Memorial funds were established for Maple Lane Care Center in Shawano and St. John's Lutheran Church in Spencer.

Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano assisted the family with arrangements.