Obit: Hardrath, Walter H. #2 (1917 – 2008)
Contact: Audrey Roedl
Email: audero@charter.net

Surnames: Hardrath, Kuester, Edwards, Gueths, Reno, Schulz, Treptow

----- Source: Loyal TRG 09 July 2008

----- Hardrath, Walter H. #2 (28 SEP 1917 – 1 JUL 2008)

Walter W. Hardrath, 90, Shawano, formerly of Spencer, died on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at a local nursing home. Funeral services were held on Sunday, July 6, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spencer. The Rev. Rebekah Tarres officiated. Burial was in West Spencer Cemetery.

Walter W. Hardrath was born on Sept. 28, 1917, at Riplinger, to Henry and Ann (nee Kuester) Hardrath. In 1936, he graduated from Marshfield High School and three years later attended UW-Stout Trade School program. After trade school, he farmed for a number of years on the family farm. In July 1941, he married Mary Edwards and together the couple made their home in the Spencer area. In 1954, he opened up a gas station and body shop on Highway 13 and ran it until the Mid-1960s. He then worked for Pathfinder Mobile Homes and later Pittsville Homes, retiring in 1978. On Feb. 8, 1993, his wife preceded him in death and shortly after he moved to the Shawano area. He was very talented regarding all metals and wood and enjoyed doing carpentry work. He was known as a “jack of all trades.”

Survivors include two daughters, Fay Reno, Abbotsford, and Donna (Tom) Gueths, Shawano; 12 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Mary; two daughters, Nona Schulz and Fern Treptow; his parents; three brothers; and two sisters.

Memorial funds were established for Maple Lane Care Center, Shawano, and for St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spencer.

Swedberg Funeral Home, Shawano, assisted the family with arrangements.