Rev. Walter William Noffke, 100, of Pentwater, MI, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at home. Walter was born February 23, 1914 in Indianapolis, IN to Otto H. and Clara A. Noffke. He graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, IN in 1932. Walter graduated from Butler University with a BA degree in Math and German in 1939 and a MA degree in Math and Philosophy in 1944.He attended Chicago Theological Seminary and received a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1948.
He met his wife, Evelyne Kettner, at St. Paul's Evangelical and Reformed Church's youth group in Indianapolis and they married on February 15, 1942. Walter served pastorates at Park Manor Congregational Church in Chicago (1945-48), St Matthew's UCC in Evansville, Indiana (1948-57), St. Peter's UCC in Champaign, Illinois (1957-79) and Hart Congregational UCC in Hart, Michigan (1981-91). He retired from ministry in 1991.
Walter embraced life with a love for others, a passion for music and the great outdoors, and often could be found contemplating the mysteries of space and time, marveling at the complexities of the human body, and envisioning the promise of eternal life. He spent many hours tending his beloved garden and caring for his fruit and nut trees while ensuring they were safe from wandering deer. Walter championed his wife's cooking and baking endeavors, and never declined a serving of her cherry and lemon meringue pies. His love of music and singing was ever present in his life and were highlighted by his singing of O Holy Night at the Christmas Eve candlelight services. He had a passion for reading, evidenced most recently in his devouring of books about our past presidents. He loved keeping up with the news of the day and was always eager to grasp technological advances, which were often introduced to him by his grandchildren. His love of life and compassionate nature live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Evelyne. He is survived by his children Christopher (Cinda) Noffke of Baroda, MI; Matthew (Nancy) Noffke of Wyoming, IL; and Paulette (David) Brundage of Centennial, CO; along with six grandchildren, Marisa (Derek) Friske, Angela David, Joshua Noffke, Davina Noffke, Matthew Brundage, and Mark Brundage.
In lieu of flowers,the family requests that memorial contributions in his memory be made to the Congregational UCC in Hart. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at the Congregational UCC, 408 S. State Street,Hart, MI 49420 with the Rev. Ruth Fitzgerald officiating. Visitation will be held during the hour preceding the memorial service. To send flowers or sympathy cards, please use the expressions of sympathy link to the left.