Walter W. Keim

Walter W. Keim, 94, of Goshen, died Sunday afternoon, December 14, 2008, at Elkhart General Hospital Emergency Room from injuries suffered in an auto accident. He was born in Middlebury on May 10, 1914, to Menno and Libbie (Rhinesmith) Keim.  He married Thelma Birky on July 29, 1936.  She died February 14, 1985.  On February 14, 1987, he married Viola Welty.  She died December 14, 2008. Mr. Keim was in the ministry from 1951 to 1998.  He also drove truck in Kouts and worked at Heinold Elevator.  He was a member of the Toto Mennonite Church and served as a bishop at South Union Fellowship.  He volunteered at World Missionary Press. He is survived by two daughters, Phyllis (Merle) Beckler of Seward, Nebraska, and Mary Graves of Goshen; four grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; 11 step-great-grandchildren; five sisters, Ruth Keim, Rachel (Dwight) Miller and Martha Keim, all of Goshen, Mary Miller of Pinebluff, Arkansas, and Miriam (Frank) Miller of Middlebury; and a brother, Dan (Bette) Keim of Goshen. He was preceded in death by both of his wives; a sister, Katherine Hochstetler; and four brothers, Wilbur, Marvin, Paul Samuel and Ira Keim. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, December 18, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. A 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 19, 2008, funeral service will be conducted at the Toto Mennonite Church in Toto, Indiana.  Pastor Paul Newcomer and Bishop Arlo Schmidt will officiate. Burial will be in Hopewell Mennonite Cemetery, Kouts, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to World Missionary Press or Toto Mennonite Church or to the donor’s choice.