Walter J. Degenstein, 84, Bergen, died Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, in a Minot hospital.

Walter was born Feb. 18, 1925, a son of Peter and Margaret (Wentz) Degenstein, in Karlsruhe. He attended country school.

On Feb. 6, 1945, he was united in marriage to Lorrayne Bodine at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Velva. They made their home south of Bergen, where they farmed and raised their family. Walter was a hard-working farmer, along with working construction, and spending 26 winters working for the Hiway 52 Coal Co. He was always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. Lorrayne passed away Oct. 4, 1999.

Walter was a member of the St. Cecilia Catholic Church, served as a board member for the Bergen School for 11 years, was a member of the Voltaire Township Board for 25 years, the Voltaire Elevator Board for 10 years, and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

Family was very important to Walter, as was his life on the farm. He enjoyed dancing with the love of his life, Lorrayne. Walter liked to share stories and tell jokes with any new or old acquaintance. He enjoyed the time he spent managing local softball teams and organizing family reunions. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

His loving family includes: sons, David (Vicki) Degenstein, Hazen, Daniel (Berta) Degenstein, Minot, Bruce (Brenda) Degenstein, Bergen, Robert (Mary) Degenstein, Stanton; daughters, Darla (Leroy) Fricke, Minot, Lucinda Degenstein, Velva; stepson, Chuck (Debbie) Bodine, Castle Rock, Colo.; brothers, Edward (Marge) Degenstein, Lodi, Calif., Raymond (Carol) Degenstein, Globe, Ariz., Bennie (Joan) Degenstein, Minot; brother-in-law, Sherman Smith, Chula Vista, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Ann Degenstein, of Mitchell, S.D., Carole Bodine, Gackle; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; several stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Lorrayne; his parents, Peter and Margaret Degenstein; daughter, Charlotte; granddaughter, Stephany; brother, Leonard; sisters, Julia Bergstad, Kate Marback and Betty Smith; and daughter-in-law Diane Degenstein.

Funeral: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Velva.

Burial: Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Velva.

Visitation: Friday, Aug. 7, from 2 to 7 p.m., at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil prayer service: Friday, 7 p.m., in Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).