Walter R. Fortener, 79, 804 Westview Drive, Coldwater, died at 6:37 a.m. Nov.. 8, 2008, at his residence.

He was born Dec. 11, 1928, in Dayton, to Walter C. and Mary Urke Fortener. He was raised by foster parents, Andrew and Erma Beumer. On July 9, 1949, he married Mary Lou Knapke, who survives.

Other survivors are five sons, Eric and Russ (Judy), Coldwater, Ron (Annette), Vandalia, Randy (Barb) Dublin, and Roger (Jane), Whitehouse; a daughter, Nancy (Jerry) Fleck, Coldwater; a sister, Marie (Gary) Olwine, Fort Recovery; a foster son-in-law, Joe (Rhonda) Voskuhl, Vandalia; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a foster daughter, Pam Voskuhl; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and John Appleton; and a sister, Kathleen Norris.

He retired as the chief of enforcement for state of Ohio employees (PUCO) and had owned two businesses, Coldwater Maintenance and Western Auto, both of Coldwater. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where he served as a church commentator, CCD teacher and commentator scheduler. He also was a member of the Coldwater Knights of Columbus, the former president of the board of governors for the former Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Coldwater, former mayor and council member for the village of Coldwater, county treasurer and Ohio State Representative.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Ron Wilker officiating. Burial is at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Condolences can be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.