Walter G. Krumwiede, Jr.

Walter G. Krumwiede, Jr. passed away at his home on July 2, 20202 at the age of 99.

Mr. Krumwiede was born in Oak Park, Illinois on January 9, 1921, the son of Walter Krumwiede, Sr. and Kathryn (Wagner) Krumwiede. He married Margery Ziesel in Elkhart on November 9, 1946.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Margery; daughter Karen(William) Lewis; son Richard(Becky) Krumwiede; son Charles(Sally) Krumwiede and daughter Nancy(Douglas) Parrott; 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Krumwiede and his parents moved from La Grange, Illinois to Goshen in 1933 and then to Elkhart in 1938. He graduated from Goshen high School in 1938 and Indiana University in 1942, having earned a degree in economics. While at IU he joined Delta Upsilon Fraternity.

Krumwiede was with Ziesel Brothers Department Store until his retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer in 1986. Throughout his long and distinguished career in business, Krumwiede held numerous leadership positions in local, state, and national retail associations. Most notably, he was a director of the National Retail Merchants association and a director of the Independent Stores Division. In Elkhart, Krumwiede served as a director of the Chamber of Commerce, president of the Downtown Elkhart Association and chairman of numerous charitable campaigns and development projects.

Mr. Krumwiede was a charter member and director of Elcona Country Club and an active member of Horseradish Club, City Club, Rotary International, and the Elks Club. He belonged to Trinity United Methodist Church (Trinity on Jackson), which he served faithfully for many years.

Mr. Krumwiede is a U.S. Navy veteran, having served during World War II from 1942-1946. He helped commission the U.S.S. Manatee (AO58), a fleet tanker which served as part of the logistic support group for the Fast Carrier Forces in the Pacific. He received eight battle stars and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade(D).

A memorial service for Mr. Krumwiede will be planned for later date. If desired, memorials can be made to Trinity on Jackson, 2715 East Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516 or Heartland Hospice Care, 230 West Catalpa DR., Suite D, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Walter G. Krumwiede, Jr., please visit our floral store.