Walter L. Dierenfield, age 96, of Storm Lake, Iowa died on Sunday, September 21, 2008 at Sunset Knoll Nursing & Rehab Center in Aurelia, Iowa.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 25, 2008 at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be held from 5-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home at 1615 West Milwaukee Ave. in Storm Lake.

Walter Leroy Aaron Dierenfield was born on January 21, 1912 to Louis and Effie (Benton) Dierenfield in Wall Lake, Iowa. He initially attended school in Wall Lake, until he actively engaged in farming.

Walter was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake, Iowa. He became a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake in 1947, where he remained an active supporter of the church.

On September 1, 1937, Walter was united in marriage to LaVerne Ahart at the parsonage at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake, Iowa. This union was blessed with five children: Eugene, Sharon, Ronald, Diane and Marilyn.

Farming remained an integral part of Walter’s life. He loved the land and all that farming brought to his life. In addition to tending to his own farm, Walter custom baled for people for many years. After he retired in 1976, Walter continued to contribute to the farming by helping his son, Ron. Consequently, he farmed until he turned 90 years old.

Above all, Walter cherished the many years he spent with his family and the joy they brought to his life. He will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, as well as a helpful neighbor and a giving soul.

Those left to cherish his memory include wife of 71 years, LaVerne Dierenfield of Aurelia, Iowa; his children: Eugene Dierenfield and his wife, Toni of California, Missouri; Sharon Huntley and her husband, Larry of Arnolds Park, Iowa; Ron Dierenfield and his wife, Ellen of Alta, Iowa; Diane Krueger and her husband, Fred of Storm Lake; Mary Lindsey and her husband, Ethan of Spencer, Iowa; grandchildren: Lawrence and Theresa Dierenfield, David and Mark Huntley, Linda Johnson, Susan Lindsey, Russ Dierenfield, Jim, Mike and Daniel Krueger, Joni Timm, Tammy Brophy, Todd Olson, Janelle Woldruff and Jason Anderson; 28 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; three sisters: Leona Petty of Adair, Iowa, Clara Brotherson of Wall Lake, Iowa and Evelyn Luckow of Ramona, California; extended family and a host of friends.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Bill, Charlie, George; sisters: Florence Dierenfield, Alma Gerdes and Leola Aschinger; as well as an infant brother.