STOW -- Walter Ross Kridler, 93, a Newton Falls resident until 2011, passed to eternal rest on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, in the Stow Glen Health Care Center.
He was born Feb. 27, 1919, in East Palestine, the son of Roscoe and Florence Haskins Kridler. Walter was a graduate of New Brighton High School and attended Fenn College.
Walter entered the United States Army on May 12, 1941, serving his country in World War II. During the duration of the war, Walter served with the 10th Armored Division, which was the first of Gen. Patton's divisions to enter Germany.
The division, nicknamed the Tiger Division, saved Bastogne from being overrun during the Battle of the Bulge, and then aided in its defense. The Tiger Division also liberated the Memmingen prisoner of war camp and overran one of the many subcamps of Dachau concentration camp in the Landsberg area on April 27, 1945.
The 10th Armored Division was recognized as a liberating unit by the United States Army Center of Military History and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
A courageous soldier, Walter received numerous decorations, citations and commendations during his service to his country, receiving his honorable discharge on Nov. 2, 1945.
On Aug. 19, 1950, Walter and Jenny Prezioso were united in marriage in Mount Carmel Church in Niles. The family grew to include their two daughters, Carol and Janice. Walter encouraged his daughters to continue their education so they would grow to be self-reliant women. Janice is an associate professor of secondary education and coordinator of the masters of arts in the teaching program at Kent State University. His love of history and reading was passed on to his daughter, Carol, who majored in history and became a librarian.
Walter was an enthusiastic cyclist, successfully biking 75 miles upon reaching the age of 75. He also enjoyed jogging, fishing, traveling, caning and refinishing antiques. He took an interest in his community and was proud to be involved with the Mahoning River Dam Restoration Project in Newton Falls.
Walter retired from his duties in the tool and die department of Packard Electric Division of General Motors in 1982.
Memories of Walter will be carried on by his wife, Jenny; his daughters, Carol Kridler and Dr. Janice Hutchison; and his grandchildren, Mitchell Hutchison (fiancee Diane Biggins) and Cassidy Hutchison.
Walter was preceded by his parents, Roscoe and Florence Kridler, and his sister, Dorothy Hurin.
Walter will be honored with a military service at a later date with interment in the Newton Township Cemetery in Newton Falls.
Arrangements for Walter were entrusted to the Borowski Memorial Home in Newton Falls.