Frank Rudolph Walther

Frank Rudolph Walther, 90, of Round Top, entered into Heaven on Dec. 4, 2017, in Giddings. Frank Walther was born on the family farm in Warda to Herman and Martha Krause Walther on Feb. 17, 1927. Frank was baptized on Feb. 27, 1927, in Warda’s The Holy Cross Lutheran Church by the Rev. Paul Buchschacker. His “Taufzeugen” sponsors (baptism witnesses) included: Louis Giese, Hermine Kunze, Otlielie Walther and Mathilde Walther. In La Grange, Frank was confirmed in the Lutheran Church by Rev. A. Koehler on May 10, 1942. Frank was seven years young when his father died. During the Great Depression, his mother Martha Krause Walther could not run the Warda farm by herself. So, she moved the family of five children to La Grange. They later moved to Giddings to be closer to their Serbin aunts and uncles. Frank graduated in 1945 from Giddings High School where he excelled in sports and academics. He went on to serve two years in the Army during WW II. His military qualification in 1945 was rifle sharpshooter. Frank said, “By coming in at the end of the war, I was never in imminent danger during my service time. To survive a war is luck and I feel like I’ve had more than my share. The Lord has been good to me.” During his basic training, a man from headquarters came out and said, “The U.S. dropped the atomic bomb and the war is over!” We asked, “What’s an atomic bomb?” This sergeant said, “I don’t know but, it’s a big S.O.B.!” The military service gave Frank the opportunity to see many areas of America and then Korea. Thankfully, he returned unharmed and used the G.I. Bill to attend Blinn Jr. College. While riding the bus to and from Blinn, he met a fellow student from Carmine. She would turn out to be the love of his life. He married Junice (Puppa) Jaster in her hometown of Carmine on Jan. 29, 1950. The young couple moved to Austin and Frank continued his business classes for two years at the University of Texas. He met many of his lifelong friends while attending U.T. After a brief work stint in Louisiana’s oil industry, Frank and Junice settled in Houston. During this time, they had three children. While in Houston, Frank built a career as the chief purchasing agent with Bowen Oil Tools for more than 30 years. He kept the company’s specialized projects supplied which was not an easy task before computers. Frank was regarded as a man of integrity in his field. Whether it was the president of the company or a shop hand, Frank was respected for his intelligence, genuine concern, honesty, sense of humor and common sense. In 1980, he became president of RMC Tooling, Inc. His intellect and hard work ethic were put to use over the past 52 years on his farm outside of Round Top. After retiring full time, he took joy in improving his 111 acres. Today, his farm is a wonderful development and the legacy of family memories runs through every acre. Frank was a faithful member and volunteer of Houston’s Gethsemane Lutheran Church while in Houston. He then became a devoted volunteer and member of Round Top’s Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Frank was an officer in The American Legion Post #338 and also served for 23 years as President of The Isaac Hill Cemetery Assoc. Frank loved the outdoors and loved to hunt, fish and travel with friends. Thankfully, he shared his love of outdoor adventure with his family on camping vacations across the U.S. Frank taught his sons to hunt and fish. He also taught his family to be good managers of the land. His legacy of a dedicated, moral, Christian, honest, hardworking man is an example for his children and grandchildren. And in his words, “The Lord has been good to me.” Frank is survived by his devoted wife, Junice Jaster Walther. They were wed for almost 68 years. Also surviving is his brother, Jimmie Louis Walther, of Tennessee. Frank is survived by his three children; Betty Walther Pior and husband, Gary; Larry Paul Walther and wife, Sarah, and David Franklin Walther. Frank was so proud of his six grandchildren: Courtney Pior Green and husband, Chad; Matthew Walther; Michael Pior and wife, Jessica; Brittany Walther; Rachel Walther and Jeffrey Walther. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Martha Krause Walther; his three sisters: Margaret Walther Janssen, Sidonia Walther Horn, Ruby Walther Piazza; his sisters-in-law: Ruth Jaster, Gladys Krause and Ruth Walther; his brothers-in-law: Erwin Janssen, Jackson Bennett Horn II, Andre’ Piazza, Willis Jaster, Lee Krause Jr. and James Jaster. Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home.Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Round Top, Texas, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2017 with Pastor John David Nedbalek officiating. Pallbearers are Matthew Walther, Michael Pior, Jeffrey Walther, Wayne Jaster, Pascal Piazza and Jack Horn. Honorary Pallbearers are George Mullane, Lundy Wantland, Tom Koch and Dan Goforth. Burial will follow at Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange is in charge of arrangements