Published on July 13, 2025 4:17 pm
Last Updated on July 17, 2025 8:11 am
Walter R. “Chip” Urfer, age 100, of West Liberty, Illinois, passed away at 9:43 AM – Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, Illinois.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM – Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois. The burial will be in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, Illinois, with full military rites. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the church and from 9:30 to 10:30 AM prior to mass. In loving memory of Walter, memorials may be made to Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church or Sainte Marie American Legion. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Walter was born on November 10, 1924, in Jasper County, Illinois, the son of Walter G. and Flossie A. (Robins) Urfer. He graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1943. He married Leatha Ginder on August 19, 1946, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Stringtown, Illinois. Walter and Leatha shared 62 years of marriage before her passing on November 25, 2008.
Walter was a lifelong farmer. He was a longtime member of the Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a 75-year member of the Sainte Marie American Legion Post #932.
Walter served his country in the United States Navy and was inducted on January 9, 1945, serving during World War II, and he was honorably discharged on July 16, 1946. He was one of the few remaining World War II veterans in Jasper County. He will be remembered by everyone who knew him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Walter is survived by his seven children: Vernon (Ruby) Urfer of West Liberty, Illinois; Dion (Deborah) Urfer of Newton, Illinois; Steven Urfer of West Liberty, Illinois; Gilbert (Pamela) Urfer of Newton, Illinois; Douglas (Mary) Urfer of West Liberty, Illinois; Elaine (Duane) Menke of Newton, Illinois; and Rita Urfer of Phoenix, Arizona.
Walter found his greatest joy in his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Grandchildren: Adrianne Urfer (Tim Bilbrey), Aaron (Amanda) Urfer, Alison (Rodney) Kuhl, Rachel (Curtis) Frohning, Brianne Urfer, Kristen (Tristan) Knicley, Amanda (Brock) Tarr, Britni (Travis) Huddleston; Great-grandchildren: Alaina, Austun, Ashlyn, and Adeline Urfer; Kaden and Rylan Kuhl; Laney and Mila Frohning; Bentley and Westin Knicley; Turner and Riley Tarr; Sophie and Audrey Huddleston.
Walter is also survived by his brother, Earl (Susan) Urfer of Dundas, Illinois and several nieces and nephews.
Walter was preceded in death by his beloved wife Leatha, parents, infant twin sister Wanda Rose Urfer, sister Dorothy Isenburg and brother Leon Urfer.