In Memory of Walter J. Woebke

Walter J. Woebke, age 103, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on December 3, 2025, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village in Battle Creek, Iowa.

Memorial Services will be held in April of 2026.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa,  is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at christensenvanhouten.com 

Walter J. Woebke was born on July 26, 1922, in Denison, Iowa, the oldest of ten children born to William and Helen (Lehmann) Woebke. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig, Iowa.

Walt grew up on a farm in the Denison area, where he attended Goodrich Township Country School. After completing his schooling, he worked alongside his father, helping with daily chores and fieldwork, and often assisted neighbors as a farmhand whenever needed.

On June 25, 1944, Walt married the love of his life, Lorraine Hansen, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig. They made their home in Ida Grove, Iowa and were blessed with four sons: Wayne, Larry, Richard, and Donald. While raising their family, Walt worked as a propane delivery driver, a position he held faithfully for 31 years before retiring in 1989.

After retirement, Walt and Lorraine enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Texas, and sharing a fondness for square dancing. Walt appreciated the simple joys of life, playing cards, dancing, helping others, and especially spending time with his grandchildren. He took great pride in watching them grow and attending their many activities.

Walter is survived by his son Donald Woebke of Evans, CO; daughter-in-law Kimberly Woebke of Ida Grove, IA; and his grandchildren: Darren (Lori) Woebke of Kansas City, MO, Chris (Jen) Woebke of Ida Grove, IA, Dorian (Boyd) Maxwell of Kansas City, MO, Stacy (Ron) Witter of Kingsley, IA, Megan (Zach) Montgomery of Ida Grove, IA, and Cody Woebke of Cherokee, IA.

He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Blake (Lexi), Autum (Anthony), Deandra (Chris), Caitlyn (Nathan), Dylan, Carter, Maia, and Camdyn; great-great-grandchildren: Liam, Lincoln, Scottie, Haisley, Averley, and a baby girl on the way.

Additional survivors include his sisters Alma Pogensee of Denison, IA and Betty Klink of Westside, IA; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents William and Helen Woebke; his wife Lorraine Woebke; sons Wayne, Larry, and Richard; and siblings Herman Woebke, Marvin Woebke, Albert Woebke, Alvin Woebke, William Woebke, Frieda Adams, and Helen Ladwig.