Obituary of Walter Schluter

Schluter, Walter "Joe" Died suddenly, but peacefully, on Christmas morning. He was born the son of Danish immigrants in 1925 and grew up in the small rural community of Rutland, Iowa. By his own account, his childhood was idyllic. At 17, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served during World War II. After the war, he attended the University of Iowa where he met the love of his life and future wife, Martha Mitchell. The two were married in 1950 and had two children, Gretchen and John. Walt enjoyed many hobbies, among them politics, art and sports. He was a gifted cartoon artist, an accomplished calligrapher and he even wrote a complete novel drawing characters and settings from colorful people he met all through his life. He loved sports, especially baseball. He loved the New York Yankees, and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. He was the starting pitcher for a 50+ men's baseball team for many years, not quitting until he was 75 when he was sidelined by an injury. He also served on the Mound School Board and was chairman during the planning years for the "new" Westonka High School in the 1960s. Above all, he was a kind and gentle man who will be lovingly remembered by friends and family. He was preceded in death by his wife Martha. He is mourned by his daughter Gretchen, son John and wife Holly, and John's children Sara Broghamer (Jared), Mitchell Schluter (Jana), Taylor Schluter, and his beloved great grandson Miles Broghamer. The family is planning a private memorial service later in 2015. Anyone wishing to remember Walt with a donation can contribute to the Fairview Hospice organization, a group of people very near to his heart.