Alfred A. Waltman

Alfred A. Waltman, 89, of Aberdeen, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2020, at his home in rural Aberdeen, surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 409 3rd Avenue SE, Aberdeen, with Father Andrew Dickinson, Celebrant.

Burial, with military rites, will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Aberdeen with a luncheon and time of fellowship following at the church fellowship hall.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at the mortuary, with a liturgical wake service beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation continues one hour prior to Mass at the church on Thursday.

Family and friends may sign Al’s online guestbook and also view his services via the live stream service link at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Alfred A. Waltman was born Sept. 18, 1930, to Jacob and Martha (Schmidt) Waltman on the family farm in rural Brown County, SD.  He attended rural Carlisle Township grade school and Central High School in Aberdeen.

Al then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Korean War from 1950 until 1954.  He returned home to the family farm, where he stayed until his death.

Al was joined in marriage to Sally Von Eschen on July 4, 1959.  On the family farm, they raised 10 children, instilling in them the values of midwestern life while raising livestock and crops.  In his later years, Al was surrounded by his children and grandchildren, which always made him smile. Though he had many titles throughout his life, the one that brought the most joy was “Grandpa”.

Al was active in his community and known for his public service. He served on several boards including the Carlisle Township Board, South Dakota Wheat Growers, Northern Electric Coop and the Brown County Zoning Board.  Al also served as Chairman of the Brown County Democrats. He served in the SD Legislature from 1987 until 2000, where he proudly earned the nickname “Grumpy”.   Despite this title, he was regarded as a true gentleman and a statesman who had a soft spot for those in need.  Al ushered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for many years. He was a member of the American Legion & V.F.W., where he served as Commander. In his spare time, Al enjoyed bowling, fishing, snowmobiling, shooting pool, poker games, pheasant hunting, and baseball, including umpiring.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Grateful for sharing Al’s life is his wife of 61 years, Sally Waltman; his children: Allen Waltman, Julie Waltman (Jim Antanitis), Roger (Paula) Waltman, Lisa (Jeff) Richmond, Ron (Patricia) Waltman, Greg Waltman, Sandra Waltman, Brian (Erika) Waltman and Chris (Katie) Waltman; his grandchildren:  Alex (Alyssa) Waltman and Tanna (Isaac) McMahon, Andrea, Kelcie and Kayla Richmond, Zachary, Madisyn and Jordan Waltman, Eric, Lindsey (Jake) Maryott, Faith, Jacob and Grayson Waltman, Kaden Larson, Ella, William, Abigail, Samuel, Nicholas and Angela Waltman, and Chase and Brodie Waltman; one great-grandchild, Kendra; step-grandchildren:  Paul (Elle) Grotjohn, Kiersten (Mike) Roach and Kaylie Grotjohn; siblings: Henry (Pat) Waltman, Jack (Connie) Waltman, Richard Waltman, Frank (Jan) Waltman and Judi (Duane) Rauscher; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Al is preceded in death by his son, Brad; his grandparents, parents, three sisters, four brothers, and daughter in-law, Karen.