Obituary of Adeline Walther

Adeline Frances Walther (nee Schroter), 99, of Zion, IL, formerly of Waukegan, departed this life on Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan. She was born September 26, 1911, in Chicago, IL, and moved to Waukegan at the age of seven. She attended the former South School , and graduated from the former Central School. She attended Waukegan Township High School where she was business manager of the Student "W" World weekly newspaper for three years. After graduation in 1929, she worked as a proof reader for the News Sun. She worked as secretary and bookkeeper for Larry Turner, former Manager of Fashion Store in Waukegan. During this period she became well known for her fine, contralto voice, winning several local contests, and went on to sing over WBBM radio in Chicago, a program sponsored by the Waukegan News Sun. After her marriage to Bill Walther in 1935 she moved to Boston, Mass., where she lived for eleven years, and where her two children were born. She also continued her radio singing over WNBC, Boston. Upon her return to Waukegan she became active in club and church affairs. She was a member and officer of the Eastern Star Chapter 209, a founder and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of Masonic Lodge 78, AF &AM, and a very active member of the Waukegan Emblem Club, 88, serving as their president in 1956, 1964, and 1980. She held several national and District Offices in that organization. She joined Victory Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in 1964 and served as their president in 1974-1975. She became known as the "Bingo Lady" when the Auxiliary began weekly bingo games for their patients in 1978. She loved her volunteer work in the hospital Gift Shop and Community Relations and Development. She was a benefactor of the Victory Memorial Hospital Foundation and a 42 year volunteer at Victory Hospital, also a volunteer of RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) who recognized her as Volunteer of the Year in 1983-84. Adeline was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waukegan serving as president of the Women's Association for two years. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Adeline also found time to be a Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother. She loved to play bridge and was a member of The Second Sunday Bridge Club, plus Thursdays at Park Place in Belvidere Park. Adeline did extensive traveling with her dear friend Eleanor Krawietz, to Hawaii, Alaska, Europe and Canada and every state in this country. Adeline is survived by her son, Bruce (Audrey) of Zion, IL, and her daughter, Pamela Kunas of Sharon, WI. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 1977; mother and stepfather, Margaret and Jack Schomig; father, Paul Schroter; brother, Paul Schroter; and sister, Edna, who died in infancy. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 10, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion. Friends may greet the family on Friday from 1:00 p.m until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Grace Missionary Church of Zion, 1425 27th St., Zion, IL 60099 or Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in Chicago.