Walter E. Burkholder

Walter E. Burkholder, 84, of New Philadelphia, died Sunday, August 26, 2012 in Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia following a period of declining health.

A son of the late William and Hattie (Gilbert) Burkholder, Walter was born September 5, 1927 at Zoar, Ohio.

On May 29, 1947, Walter married the love of his life, the former Dorothy Pringle and together they raised two children, Dale and Vickie.

He was an active member of Otterbein United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia for more than 50 years. He held the position of treasurer of the church for 25 years and even served as the “commissioner” for the church’s volleyball league. He was also a longtime member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge #510.

Walter was an avid Jass player and especially enjoyed playing with the Stone Creek bunch every Sunday evening. He also enjoyed fishing but more than anything he enjoyed being in the company of his family.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Burkholder of the home; his children, Dale (Lori) Burkholder of Dennison and Vickie (Dale) Swaldo of Stone Creek; his grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike) Gardner of Uhrichsville, Julie (Eric) Swartz of New Philadelphia, Philip (Sarah) Burkholder of Brunswick, Ohio, Scott (Melissa) Swaldo and Zachary (Rebekah) Swaldo both of Stone Creek and his great grandchildren, Shane and Hope Gardner, Kirstyn and Carter Swartz and Zane, Garrett, Clay and Faith Swaldo.

Walter is also survived by many special brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and many special nieces and nephews.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents and 11 brothers and sisters.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Walter’s life will be held on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastors Tim McCollum and Jim Taggart officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. A luncheon will follow the committal service in the fellowship hall at Otterbein United Methodist Church.

Walter’s family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Nagajothi and staff members Michelle and Melanie and to the staff of Hospice of Tuscarawas County for their exemplary care and compassion. They would also like to extend their thanks to Dean and Cheryl Fisher for being special neighbors.

Contributions may be made in Walter’s memory to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 156 Beaver Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.