Walter H.F. Sonnichsen, the son Andreas and Emma (Rahn) Sonnichsen, was born August 26, 1910, on a farm in Hanover Township. He was baptized on October 27, 1910, by Pastor William Frese and also confirmed by Pastor Frese on January 8, 1926. Walter received his education in the rural schools and spent his early years helping on his father's farm.

On December 11, 1938, he married DeLoris Lamp of rural Denison. To this union four children were born: Marlene, Robert, Martin, and Mary. The couple farmed until 1955 when they moved to an acreage south of Denison.

For several years Walter was employed by Ray Shubat at a feed and seed store and also by Farm Service Coop. He also did custodial work at the Denison Public Schools. His last employment was at Zion Lutheran Church where he served as custodian for six and one-half years until his retirement in 1980.

Because of ill health, he entered Eventide Lutheran Home in April of 1984. His death occurred there on October 19, 1987. He attained the age of 77 years, one month, and 23 days.

Walter was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and a member of the voters' assembly.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Survivors include his wife DeLoris, of Denison; four children: Robert and his wife, Arlene, of Aurora, Colorado; Martin and his wife, Carolyn of Gresham, Oregon; Marlene and her husband, Dennis Bergstadt, of Denison; Mary and her husband, Brian Deamer of Sumter, South Carolina; one sister, Edna Carnes, of Denison; one brother, Edward Sonnichsen and his wife, Esther of Denison; six grandsons and one granddaughter; many relatives and friends.