Walter Bryce

Walter Bryce, 78, of Staples, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the
VA Hospital in Fargo, ND, after a brief illness.

Walter John was born March 26, 1933, in Glenwood, MN, the son of William and Rose (Havlik) Bryce. Walter enlisted in the US Army in November of 1950 and served as a Ranger during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953 having earned the Korean Service Medal, two Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was a life member of the VFW and American Legion in Motley.

On September 16, 1954, he married Rita Wolters at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River, MN. They farmed for 27 years on the family farm. In addition, Walter was a Master Electrician and owned his own business prior to being promoted to an electrical inspector for the State of Minnesota. He was a private pilot and loved playing the concertina.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rita; eight children, Irene (Jim) Dombeck, of Moorhead, MN, Agnes Elliott, of Evansville, MN, James (Kimberly) Bryce, of Rosholt, SD, Bernie (fiancé, Julie) Bryce, of Villard, MN, Theresa, of Moorhead, MN, Susan (Mark) Benson, of DeWitt, IA, Loretta Bryce Adams, of Fargo, ND, and Lorraine, of Fargo, ND; 16 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Agnes and Albena; and brother, Robert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, January 27, 2012 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Motley. Family and friends are invited to gather Thursday evening at the church from 5-7 PM with Parish Prayers at 7 PM. Family and friends are also welcome to gather one hour prior to services on Friday. Interment with Military Honors provided by the Tri County American Legion, Post 124 will take place at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, MN.