April 29, 2020 – Hartford, WI – Rev. Walter J. Oelhafen of Hartford was called to meet his Savior, Jesus, on Friday, April 24, 2020, at the age of 80.
Walter was born in Winner, SD on October 5, 1939 to the late Rev. Walter J. & Gertrude (nee Lazar) Oelhafen, Sr. He attended elementary school at St. John Lutheran School in Montello, WI and graduated from Northwestern Prep and Northwestern College in Watertown, WI. He received his Theological Degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI in 1966. He dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He began his ministry at St. John Lutheran Church in Tappen, ND (3 years), continued his ministry at Grace Lutheran Church in Flint, MI (41 years), and concluded his ministry at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, WI (4 years). Throughout his ministry he served on various District Boards in the WELS.
Walter is survived by his wife, Gretchen (nee Boldt) Oelhafen. Their marriage was blessed with two children: Rev. Scott (Christine) Oelhafen of Waukesha, WI and Kris (Rev. Peter) Lindemann of Egg Harbor, WI; 7 Grandchildren: Stephen, Katherine, Hannah Oelhafen, Jason (Anika), Jared (Maggie), Jonas and Jackson Lindemann; Sisters: Julia (Robert) Averbeck, and Lois (Bruce) Bence-Ehlke. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
Special thanks to the caring staff at Wellington Place in Hartford, Seasons Hospice of Wisconsin, and his pastors at Peace Lutheran Church in Hartford.
Due to Wisconsin’s “Safer-at-Home” quarantine order, a Private Committal Service will be held at Union Cemetery in Slinger, WI with a Christian Memorial Service held later.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may make a memorial contribution either to Grace Lutheran Church, 2526 Corunna Road, Flint, MI 48503, or to Peace Lutheran Church, 1001 Center Street, Hartford, WI 53027.
Rev. 2:10 … be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
