Relatives and friends of John Walthers, pioneer resident of the Moorefield community, were shocked and grieved to learn of his unexpected death at a hospital at Grand Island, Monday.

Mr. Walthers went to Grand Island to consult doctors in regard to his health and when an operation was advised, he decided to have it done while there. He died a few minutes before the operation was completed.

Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at the Union church in Moorefield with the Rev. Fred H. Johnson of Farnam in charge.

Mr. Walthers was the father of Mrs. Hugo Blomquist, Mr. and Mrs. Blomquist went to Grand Island as soon as they received word of his death. Surviving are his wife, three daughters and one son.

Mr. and Mrs. Walthers were pioneer residents south of Moorefield, later moving to Moorefield where he has operated a store for the past 25 years.

The Farnam Echo, 34(45):1 July 14, 1938

John Frederic Walther was born July 11, 1867 in Will County, Ill., on July 11, 1938, at the age of seventy-one years, he succumbed to a heart attack, which came, while he was submitting to an operation at the Lutheran Hospital, Grand Island, Nebraska.

In 1881 he moved to York county, Nebraska with his parents, from there he moved to Frontier county, Nebraska in 1885. In 1893 he returned to Illinois, where he was united in marriage with Cora M. Hartong, to this union was born four children; Harold O., Mable Hattie, Alice Mary and Marie Pearl, all of whom are living.

In 1901 he returned, to live on a farm in Frontier county, where he lived until 1908, from there he moved to Moorefield where for the past 30 years he operated a mercantile store.

“John,” as he was known to all his friends, was a man of fine character and high ideals, holding fair dealing and honesty to the utmost. He was a loving husband, a kind father and a friend indeed to all who knew him. He had a deep sense of respect for his fellow men, his willingness to render help has been a comfort to many.

His death was a severe shock to the community and by his passing we have lost a fine neighbor and a true friend.

He leaves to mourn his death, his wife, one son, three daughters, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three brothers, three sisters; other relatives and many friends.

The Farnam Echo, 34(46):4 July 21, 1938