Walter K. "Walt" Henrichs
Walter K. Henrichs, known affectionately by many as "Walt", of Wymore, Nebraska, born on November 10, 1938, in Beatrice, NE, passed away on March 4, 2024. As stated by Albert Einstein, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile,” which accurately encapsulates Walter's life. He was a compassionate, humble, and thoughtful man who dedicated his life to serving his family, church, and community. His constant support for his children and grandchildren's activities is a testament to his love and commitment towards his family. Walter was not only a dedicated family man but also an active participant in his community. He attended New Hope, District #99 from kindergarten-2nd grade, then attended and graduated from Wymore High School in 1956 where he was active in music, band, choir, school plays, football, basketball and baseball. Walt married his high school sweetheart Judy Marshall on July 18, 1957.
He worked for Hubert IGA, Wonder Bread, owned and operated the Burger Bar, Henrichs Feed, and Petersen Manufacturing in DeWitt. Walter found joy in his work as a caretaker and funeral assistant at Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore, NE, serving grieving families with understanding and kindness for 20 years. He was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Wymore, serving on the church council, choir, and couples club. In his spare time, he was an active member of the Wymore Volunteer Fire Department and an EMT for 13 years, and a member of the Wymore Cemetery Board. Walter's dedication to his community was also evident in his support of Wymore Legion Baseball, where he was the field caretaker for many years. No family birthday party was complete without Walter supplying the homemade ice cream, a humble act that brought joy to many.
Walter is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Judy Henrichs; his son, Allan (Debbie) Henrichs, their daughters Stephanie (Von) Anderson and children Chase, Tre, Mykena, Izayha, Xaniya, Annalyze, and Milan and Chelsea (Eli) Sorgic and son, Cade; his daughter, Amy (Brad) Vitosh and their children Shane (Laine) Vitosh and their daughters Audrey & Mellie, Brittney (Kolin) Kotas and their children Kyler, Kasen & Saylor, and Morgan (J.T.) Toensing and their children Judah & Ava; his bonus daughter, Cheryl (Jon) Palmquist and her sons Matthew (Tiffany) Henrichs and their children Karrigan, Kassidy, Kinslee & Karter, and Michael (Jenna) Henrichs and their sons Paxton, Mason & Boston; and his brothers, Jean (Phyllis), Roger, and Dennis (Chris) Henrichs, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean Sr. and Audrey Henrichs; his sons, Barry (January 6, 1980) and Carey (May 17, 2010); his grandson, Chase Allan; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clair and Audrey Marshall; sister-in-law, Barb Henrichs; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Larry and Louise Searcey, brother-in law and sister-in-law, John and Maxine Marshall.
A public visitation will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM at Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home, Wymore, Nebraska with the family greeting friends from 6:00-8:00 PM. A family prayer service will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 10:15 AM followed by the celebration of life service at 10:30 AM. The service will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend in person on www.ghchapel.com. Burial will take place at the Wymore Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Wymore Blue Springs Area Fund endowment and to Our Saviors Lutheran Church with the funeral home in charge.
Walter's life was a beautiful testament to the power of love, kindness, faith, and dedication. We encourage those who knew Walter to leave memories and upload photos to his memorial page to celebrate his life and the impact he had on so many. All may also view his video tribute and service on www.ghchapel.com.
These services have been entrusted to the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore.