Walter Junior Kriegel, 86, of Tama, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2015 at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, August 23, 2015 at 2:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama with Pastor Warren Riley officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Tama with Military Honors. There will be no public visitation.
Walter was born on January 6, 1929, in Belle Plaine, Iowa, the son of Walter B. and Myrtle B. (Fisher) Kriegel.
Walter moved to Tama when he was three years old. He was educated in Tama and graduated in 1947. He went on to work for the Packaging Corp. of America for forty-four years.
Walter served his country in the United States Army from 1951 until 1953. He was stationed in Japan as a company clerk during the Korean War.
In June of 1953, Walter was united in marriage to Norma Jean Vavra. The couple was blessed with three daughters, Jody Lynn, Joni Lea and Julie Ann.
Walter was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama and a sixty-four year member of the Tama American Legion. Walter enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, camping, woodworking and wine making. Above all things, he loved spending time with his family. He was a skilled taxidermist. Walter loved attending the many sporting events of his children and grandchildren, and giving Dandies "kisses" to his great-grandchildren. He was a family man first, hosting birthdays, holidays and celebrations for his family for many years.
Survivors include his wife of sixty-two years, Norma of Tama; three daughters, Jody (John) Karkosh of Toledo, Joni (Rick) Simpson of Toledo and Julie (Lloyd "Mac") Chyma of Tama; eight grandchildren, Joseph (Mo Hill) Casey of Denison, Luke Karkosh of San Diego, CA, Joshua (Danielle Johnson) Casey of Tama, Brenon (Emily) Chyma of Tama, Brett (Carrie) Karkosh of Cedar Rapids, Bryce (Bri) Chyma of Cedar Rapids, Amber (Scott) Bolen of Tama and Rian Simpson of Toledo; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Virginia Mildenstein of Topeka, KS; two sisters-in-law, Lois Kriegel of Tama and Beverly Kriegel of Marion; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Walter was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Jack and Bill Kriegel; a nephew, Steven Kriegel; and a brother-in-law, Arlo Mildenstein.
Memorials may be designated to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama.