Funeral services for Walter Eitzen age 93, of rural Villisca, Iowa, who entered into peace Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at Good Samaritan Care Center, Villisca, Iowa, will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 11, 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Clarinda, Iowa with Pastor Jerome Wagoner officiating. There will be open visitation at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa 2-4 p.m., Sunday June 10. Burial will be in the Immanuel Cemetery, rural Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Villisca or to the Villisca Fire and Rescue. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Walter Herman Eitzen was born September 7, 1918 on the family farm near Bethesda, Iowa north of Immanuel Lutheran Church to Herman Eitzen and Emma (Sunderman) Eitzen. He was baptized and confirmed in the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Walter attended Immanuel Lutheran School. Walter was united in marriage on September 19, 1948 to Ruth Herzberg at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Walter grew up on the farm and helped with the farming operation. He purchased a farm on Highway 71 in the Forty's near Villisca where he spent the rest of his farming career. Walter was a lifelong farmer and proud cattle feeder. He took great pride in his farm and cattle. He and Ruth made many cattle buying trips to the Sand Hills of Nebraska forming longtime friendships. Walter was well known for his western attire and fondness for his red tractors. He was an active longtime member of the Page County Cattleman Association and was chairman of the board of the Production Credit Association. Walter and Ruth enjoyed going to auctions and antiquing. He was an active longtime member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Villisca, Iowa.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wilbur, Loyd and Harold Eitzen; sisters, Leona Robberts and husband Orville, Margie Moore and husband Charles; sister-in-law, Toni Eitzen; brother-in-law, Lyle Sunderman; nephew Merle Robberts.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Eitzen of Villisca, Iowa; brother, Raymond Eitzen of Villisca, Iowa and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Walter will be greatly missed by his family and friends;
his memory will live on in their hearts.
May god grant comfort and peace to those who mourn his passing.