WALTER DEUTSCH, age 80, of Luverne, died Sunday, October 29, 2017, at his home. He was born March 20, 1937, in Ellsworth, to John Joseph and Josephine (Gerardy) Deutsch. Walt was raised on the family farm northwest of Ellsworth which is now a Century Farm that they own. He attended Ellsworth Elementary and High School. He served his country in the Air National Guard. 

   Walt was united in marriage to the love of his life, Betty Henning on May 12, 1959, at St. Adrian Catholic Church in Adrian. After their marriage, they moved to Luverne where they lived all of their married lives. Walt worked for McClure Electric and as a lineman in Cheyenne, Wyoming for a short time.  He worked for A.R. Wood Manufacturing from 1960 to 1982; and beginning in 1982 worked for Northco which later became FACCO USA until the present. Walt also worked part time for Verne Drive In. In 1966, Walt and Betty purchased the drive-in and owned & operated it until 1983.

  He was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. Some of his favorite pastimes included fishing, woodworking and hunting. Family was very important to Walt. He loved family vacations and joking around with his family and friends.

   Walt is survived by his wife, Betty Deutsch, Luverne; three children, Douglas (Colleen) Deutsch, Luverne; Debbie (Brian) Semke, Chanhassen, MN; and Deanna (Keith) Ernster, Tea, SD; seven grandchildren, Amber (Ben) Winkels, Caitlyn Deutsch, Derek Deutsch, Dustin Deutsch (friend Cleo Maloney), Taylor (Brittany) Ernster, Hunter (friend, Sara Mossefin) Ernster and Brandon Semke; three great-grandchildren, Ainsley, Brinley & Clara Winkels; three brothers, Bill (Jean) Deutsch, Ellsworth; Fabian (Sue) Deutsch, Magnolia; and John (Trudy) Deutsch, Manley; a sister, Loretta Henning, Sioux Falls, SD; and a sister-in-law, Donna Deutsch, Luverne.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Edwin and Lawrence (Virginia) Deutsch; and a brother-in-law, Frank Henning.

   Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Thursday, with parish prayers at 7 pm, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. Visitation also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Funeral will 10:30 am Friday at St. Catherine Catholic Church, in Luverne, officiated by Fr. Thomas Jennings. Burial with full military honors provided by the Luverne American Legion & VFW will be in the Maplewood Cemetery.

   To view an online obituary, a video tribute or order flowers, please visit dingmannandsons.com

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