Robert Arthur Walgamuth , 94, of rural South Whitley, died peacefully in the company of family at his home at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Born August 1, 1930, in Kosciusko County, Indiana, he was the only son of the late Millard R. and Mildred M. (Brandenburg) Walgamuth.  He grew up in the Liberty Mills area and graduated from Chester High School in 1948.

He went to work for the Peabody Furniture Factory in North Manchester and joined the National Guard.

On June 10, 1951, he married Bernadine L. Bauman.  They have always made their home in the South Whitley area, where they raised two children.  Bernadine died on December 17, 2021.

Joining his father's farming operation, Robert farmed around 1000 acres and raised livestock.  In addition, he worked evenings for the former Gripnut in South Whitley.  After 50 years of farming, Robert retired and went to work for the former Johnson Sign Company of South Whitley, where he assembled signs.

Robert enjoyed telling a good joke and making people laugh.  In his senior years, he enjoyed bird watching, especially the hummingbirds and Orioles.  He liked to follow the NASCAR race series, watching every Saturday race.

Surviving are his children Pamela (Donald) Sturdevant of Greenville, OH, and Jerry R. (David Brodbelt) Walgamuth of South Whitley; grandchildren Steven (Jamie) Sturdevant and Brian (Harry Cambrelen, Jr.) Sturdevant; and great-grandchildren Jason Sturdevant and Logan Sturdevant; step-great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Karly, and Sarah.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by sisters, Violet Betten, Doris Newman, and Patsy Rittenhouse.

The funeral service is at 1 p.m. Thursday (Jan 16th) at St John Lutheran Church, 2465 W. Keiser Road, Columbia City. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and one hour before the service at the church.

Preferred memorials are to St John Lutheran Church.