Walter John Burdiek, 84, of Centralia, KS, died early Monday morning, July 5, 2010, at Eastridge Nursing Home in Centralia.

He was born on April 16, 1926, on a farm east of Seneca, the son of John F. and Clara Tanking Burdiek. He attended Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School in Seneca and worked on the family farm. Walter also worked for Joe Heiman before entering the U.S. Army on January 30, 1945; he was discharged on November 26, 1946. After his stint in the army, he again worked for Joe Heiman until his marriage.

Walter married Rita M. Broxterman on February 5, 1948 at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. Initially the couple lived in Lillis; then after two years, they moved south of Centralia, where they spent the next 32 years farming and raising their ten children. In addition, Walter drove a school bus for the Centralia School District from 1972 to 1984. In 1982, they moved to Centralia.

Walter was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Corning, the Knights of Columbus Council #1769 in Seneca, and the Arthur L. Mills Post 37 of the American Legion in Corning. He enjoyed volunteering at area nursing homes, playing cards, and polka music. He was an avid baseball fan, especially cheering on the Kansas City Royals and the Atlanta Braves. He particularly loved keeping up with his grandchildren and watching them play sports.

Survivors are his six sons, Tim and wife Brenda, Alan and wife Sheri and Larry and wife Jane, all of Centralia, Roger and wife Lucy of Circleville, Mark and wife Ruth of Silver Lake, and Dennis “Butch” and wife Lorena of Valley Falls; four daughters, Linda and husband Michael Martin of Pleasanton, Sharon and husband Ed Lueger of Seneca, Marlene and husband Dan Rempe of Corning, and Janet and husband Gene Lueger of St. Mary’s; four sisters, Mildred Reinecke, Alice Kramer, Irene Kramer, and Marcina Haverkamp, all of Seneca; 28 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife Rita on April 18, 2007; his brother, Gerald on October 26, 2009; and a grandchild, Brent Burdiek on July 10, 1983.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM Wednesday, July 7, at St. Patrick’s Church in Corning. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Tuesday, July 6, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorial contributions can be given for Honor Flight, Eastridge Nursing Home, or Abundant Life Hospice, and sent in care of the family.