Walter H. Pollman, Jr., was born on December 13, 1932, in the family home west of Culbertson, Nebraska to Walter H. and Velma M. (Gray) Pollman. He attended school in rural Culbertson. On March 5, 1953, Junior was inducted into the United States Army. He served his country proudly in the Korean War until his honorable discharge on January 11, 1955. During his time of service, Junior rose to the rank of corporal and received many decorations, including the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
Junior was united in marriage to Lavila Lillian Kalthoff on February 20, 1955, at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook, Nebraska. Junior was a lifelong man of faith. His Christian journey began when he was baptized at his parents’ home on April 23, 1939. He was confirmed into the Lutheran Church on February 20, 1969. He and Lavila were longtime active members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Culbertson. Junior shared a strong example of what it meant to be a Christian by serving as a Sunday School teacher and as an Elder of the church.
Junior and Lavila farmed together east of Trenton. They raised corn, wheat, hogs, and cattle. He shared his strong work ethic with his family. He was a member of the CO-OP Board and the Pork Producers Association.
Junior passed away late Saturday evening, May 4, 2024, at Community Hospital in McCook. He was 91 years of age.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; wife, Lavila; sister, Virginia; brothers-in-law: Bob Hidy, John Bauer, Jr., Dallas Wagner, Harlan Groothuis, Lavern Kalthoff; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Kalthoff.
Those that will carry on Junior’s legacy of his love of God, love of country, and love of family include his son, Tim of Trenton; daughters, Lisa Mayberry of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Regina (Robert) Horinek of Trenton; granddaughter, Amanda Horinek of Trenton; sisters, Vonda Hidy and Valeda Wagner; sister-in-law, LaDonna Groothuis; as well as many friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 10 AM- 6 PM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Junior’s family will greet family and friends from 4 PM – 6PM.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 9, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Culbertson with Pastor Bradley Rick officiating. A burial with full military honors will follow in the Trenton Cemetery, Trenton, Nebraska.
Memorials in Junior’s memory may be given to Community HealthCare and Hospice of McCook. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.