Obituary of Walter E. Tatera

COLUMBIA--Walter Edward Tatera, 81, of Columbia entered into rest Monday, February 3, 2014 at the Agape Hospice House, with his friends at his side. Born Monday, September 19, 1932 in Chicago IL he was the son of the late Walter and Helen (Ziolkowski) Tatera. A 20 year veteran of the US Army, Mr. Tatera actively served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He received several decorations, including the Bronze Star (2), the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Renate Vera Tatera, with whom he shared a devoted and blessed union of more than 55 years. The couple was wed March 26, 1955, in Mannheim, Germany. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur Peter and Eugene Francis Tatera. Mr. Tatera is survived by a sister-in-law, Omah Tatera of Topeka, KS and ten nieces and nephews, Carole Hawkins ( Kirk) and Helen (Bob) Steinbock of Topeka, KS, Marilyn (Foster) Harding, Castle Rock, CO, Roberta (Pete) McGinnis, Monroeville, AL, Robert (Barb) Tatera, Somers, NY, Walter A (Brooke) Tatera, Chicago, IL, Steven (Elizabeth) Tatera, Crystal Lake, IL, Gene Paul Tatera, Westminster, CO, Elke (Helmut) David, and Fränk (Silvia) Lenz of Mannheim, Germany, as well as many great nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 2:00 P.M., at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia SC 29229. Honorary Pallbearers will include Robert, Walter A., Gene Paul and Steven Tatera and Fränk Lenz. The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon to 1:30 P.M., on February 10, 2014 at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209. Those desiring are invited to send memorial contributions to the Disabled American Veterans association at www.dav.org.