Walter Ray Demke

Walter Ray Demke, 87, of Emerson, NE, died on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at Heritage of Emerson Nursing Home in Emerson, NE.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 8, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hubbard, NE.  The visitation will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hubbard.  Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Emerson.

Walter was born on November 24, 1934, in Emerson, NE, to William and Helen (Anderson) Demke.  He was united in marriage to Eileen Hightree on August 21, 1965, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walthill, NE.  Together they raised their son and two daughters and farmed for a few years. Later in life, Walter became a janitor at the Hubbard School and enjoyed working with all the kids.  He retired a few years after working as a janitor at Kenworth in Sioux City, IA

Walter absolutely loved Nebraska Cornhusker football and Nebraska sports in general.  In his spare time, he enjoyed making crafts from anything he could find and would make just about anything. 

He is survived by his wife, Eileen of Emerson, NE; son, Robert (Sharon) Demke of Emerson, NE; daughter, Cindy (Paul) Chester of Belen, NM; sisters, Norma Eriksen, and Mary Ann (Jim) Beacom of Hubbard, NE; brother, Bill Demke of Wayne, NE; eight grandchildren, Kristin (Jeff) Anderson, Michael (Katie) Emmons, Vanessa Emmons, Spencer Emmons, Nick (Nikole) Demke, Brandon Chester, Abby (Tol) Thapa, Quinn Chester; and eleven great grandchildren.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Marykae Demke; brother, Willy Demke; and brother-in-law, Chuck Eriksen.