Wally Junge

Wallace O. “Wally” Junge, age 89, of York, NE, died Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at York. He was born on August 26, 1921 to Otto and Lena (Maronde) Junge. The family lived on a farm south east of Benedict, NE. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He began his high school years in Benedict and later moved to a farm northeast of Bradshaw where he graduated from Bradshaw High School.

Wally helped his father with the family farm until he was accepted as an Air Corps cadet and graduated June 26, 1944. He received his silver pilot wings and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. During World War II he served as a pilot and saw combat action in a Martin Marauder B26 bomber in the ETO. He served in the Air Force reserve where he attained the rank of Captain.

After returning home from the service he was united in marriage to Bernice Brackhan on April 21, 1946. This marriage was blessed with three daughters and two sons. Wally and Bernice enjoyed living on several area farmsteads before Wally accepted a position as District Director for Nebraska Farm Bureau where he was employed for the next 10 years. They then moved to Wyoming where Wally owned and operated a hardware store. He returned to York as a pilot and sales manager for Geis Irrigation Company, which later became Scott-Hourigan Company where he enjoyed 20 years of service. Wally received his real estate license in 1982 and was employed at Heritage Realty. He also enjoyed traveling and hosting group tours.

Wally was active serving the Lord in the Lutheran Church all of his life. He served on many committees including; Elder in Emmanuel Lutheran Church, President of the Board of Directors of Camp Luther, Delegate to Missouri Lutheran Synod convention, and held positions in the District Lutheran Laymen. He was also active in the York Ambassadors Club, York Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion, and the V.F. W.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Bernice of York; daughter Ann (Bruce) Woodward of Cheyenne, WY and granddaughter Sheila of York; daughter Susann (Kim) Lowary and grandchildren Jordan and Chelsea of Yakima, WA; son Kent (Ellen) Junge and grandsons Ryan, Kyle, and Alex of Omaha, NE; daughter Jo (Bret) Burnham of York and granddaughters Lindsay Burnham-Bisenius of Omaha and Mattie of Sioux Falls, SD.

Also surviving are four sisters, Laura Harlow of Hastings, NE, Gladys Rathert of Ava, IL, Betty White of Delavan, WI, and Ruth Ann Vandenbos of Gresham, OR. Preceding him in death were his parents, infant son Kevin, brothers, Raymond, James, and Merrill Junge and sisters, Josephine Cotner-Jackson, Mildred Berndt, and Eleanor Kohtz.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 4, 2011 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York, NE. Military graveside services followed in York’s Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Lutheran Hour or the donor’s choice.