Walter Gerald Overholser

Walter Overholser of Cloverdale passed away peacefully at his home to join his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the age of 86, after a fulfilling and eventful life filled with family and friends, pets and wildlife. Walter Gerald Overholser was born on July 26, 1930 to Royal and Alberta (Gebhart) Overholser in South St. Paul, Minnesota. Walt spent much of his life in South St Paul before moving to a home outside Hinckley in 1980. In 1949, he graduated from South St Paul High School and served in the Minnesota Air National Guard from 1948 to 1951. In 1952, he married Phyllis Vollbrecht. For 17 years, Walt worked at Swift and Company and from 1965-1979, he also worked as a sales representative at Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent Financial). After multiple heart attacks, Walt retired from insurance and engaged in a wide variety of activities from master leatherwork, wood carving, gunsmithing, neighborhood security and public transportation. He was active in community service and served as an election judge, census taker and as a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Pine City. Walt enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a long term active member of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association as well as being active in the Hinckley American Legion post where he served as Commander for 9 years and held other positions, most recently Honor Guard bugler. Walt is survived by his wife of 64 years Phyllis Overholser of Pine City; children: Steve (Chris) Overholser of Prior Lake, Sherry Overholser of Brooklyn Park, Karen (Cory) Hovland of Pine City; grandchildren Stacy (Clark) Varner of St. Paul, Jon Overholser of Apple Valley, Rob (Thea) Roemeling of Cambridge, Mike (Sherry) Overholser of Apple Valley, Kelly and Matt Overholser both of Pine City; 10 great-grandchildren: Alicia, Joey, Jesse, Gunnar, Griffin, Gavin, Peyton, Emma, Jade and Cole and great-grandson J.J. He is preceded in death by his parents Royal and Alberta Overholser; daughter Susan Ryan; brothers Orville (Kathy) Overholser and Richard (Delores) Overholser. Reverend Glenn Kleppe will officiate funeral services for Walt: 11:00 AM, Wednesday (11/9/16) at Zion Lutheran Church in Pine City. Honorary casket bearers will include the Hinckley American Legion Post # 388. A gathering of family and friends is planned for Tuesday (11/8/16) from 4-7 PM at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial designations may be directed to: Zion Lutheran Church 410 Main Street South Pine City, Minnesota 55063 Hinckley American Legion Post # 388 P.O. Box 181 Hinckley, Minnesota 55037 Funeral arrangements for Walt Overholser of Cloverdale are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel www.funeralandcremationservice.com