Surnames: Roder, Schumann, Prager, Maier, Ruddock, Karl

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) February 18, 2009

Roder, Walter Ernest (29 December 1930 - 31 December 2008) With Flag

Walter Ernest Roder, 78, died Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008, Sun City, AZ.

Walter was born Dec. 29, 1930, in Neillsville to John E. and Nellie G. Roder. Later the family moved to Waukesha.

At age 17, he enlisted in the 82nd Airborne Division. He served five years and saw much action in Korea, where he became a staff sergeant.

After the war, he earned his pilot’s license and worked as an airplane mechanic at Waukesha Flying Service and Mitchell Field Aero.

Walter married Marimae Schumann of Mayville in 1958. While residing in Waukesha, he built an Acrosport biplane. He was a member of the Experimental Aviation Association and after moving to Sun City in 1991, he built a Pitts Special biplane.

Walter is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Marimae; brothers, John A. (Shirley) Roder and Roger (Jackie) Roder; sisters, Jeannine Prager, Janett (Martin) Maier and Ruth Ruddock, all of Waukesha, and Patricia (Walter) Karl of Junction City; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, Wendell.

A memorial service and burial are planned May 9, 2009, in Mayville.