MARION - Walter Carl Kerkman, 71, of 2501 Hwy 13, and formerly of Newhall, died Monday, June 18, 2007 at his residence following a sudden illness.
     Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, June 22, 2007 at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall with Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating.  Interment will be held at St. John Cemetery in Newhall.  Friends may register from 9 AM until service time on Friday at the church.  Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone is in charge of arrangements.
     Walter was born August 27, 1935 at Newhall to Carl Edward and Lydia Marie (Kranz) Kerkman.  He was a descendent of the Conrad and Anna Werning Kerkman and the Adam and Jeanette Brehm Werning pioneer families of Benton County who homesteaded land in 1869 in the area known as "Concordia" in Eldorado Township.  He was baptized at Concordia Lutheran Church northwest of Newhall, received his education at St. John Lutheran School and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith on March 18, 1951.  A lifelong member of his church, he was honored by the congregation for serving as their bell ringer for forty-three years.
     Walter helped his father, Carl, with carpentry work, and masonry projects by carrying cement blocks and bricks.  A hard worker he also shoveled snow and mowed lawns.  Walter continued many of his family's German traits and traditions.  Following the death of his parents, Walter lived with his sister in Hopkinton and then returned to Newhall to live at Country View Apartments and later to his apartment in Marion.
     Walter was a special son, brother, cousin and friend to everyone he met.  He loved everyone as Christ loves the church.  He is survived by his sister, Nadine (John) Marugg of Hopkinton; two nieces, one nephew; two great nieces; one great nephew; and his aunt Erna Kerkman Kranz of Vinton.
     In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Marlin and an infant sibling.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church or an organization or charity of the donor's choice.