Walter John VonFangeLISLE, ILLINOIS
Walter John VonFange, 95, formerly of Columbus, died peacefully at 5:45 a.m. on April 18, 2020 in Downers Grove, Illinois.
Walter was born August 14, 1924, in Columbus, Indiana, the son of the late Benjamin and Hannah Behrman VonFange. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1942 and was employed by Cummins Engine Company. In March 1943, he entered the Army, serving in World War II until December 1945. He served in four battles and campaigns including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. His military specialty was Automotive Technician, and he performed maintenance on General Eisenhower’s vehicles.
On June 6, 1948, Walter married Verl Mary Stockamp, and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage. They were blessed with two children, Elaine and Dale. Walter was a life-long member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. He retired from Cummins Engine Company after 38 years in September 1980. He enjoyed restoring antique furniture, woodworking, traveling throughout the world, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. He will be remembered as a kind man with a fun sense of humor and as a devoted husband and father whose life exemplified a strong Christian faith.
Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Verl, who passed away August 12, 2013. Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Aaron and Weldon VonFange and sister, Hazel Moorman. He is survived by his daughter, Elaine VonFange Jordan and husband, Michael of Lisle, Illinois; his son, Dale VonFange of Lombard, Illinois; granddaughter, Laura VonFange Carabott and husband, Roderick of Cedar Park, Texas; grandson, Gregory VonFange and wife, Sarah of Cedar Park, Texas; and great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn, Amelia, Lia, Theodore and Louis.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 719 5th Street, Columbus, followed by a graveside funeral service and burial at St. Paul Lutheran Church-Borchers Cemetery in Seymour with the Rev. Mark Teike officiating. Military honors will be presented at the cemetery by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, St. Paul Lutheran Church-Borchers Cemetery Fund, Trinity Lutheran High School, or the donor’s choice of charities.
Online condolences may be sent to Mr. VonFange’s family at barkesweaverglick.com.
