Walter M. Gaissert
 
    Mr. Walter Minor Gaissert passed into the everlasting joy and presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Tuesday, March 11, 2008.
    A native of Madison, Mr. Gaissert was born December 21, 1918 to the late Walter William and Ellie Mae Zellner Gaissert. He was the grandson of the late Ludwig and Mary Gaissert also of Madison. During the War Between the States, his grandfather fought with the 66th Georgia Infantry, Army of the Tennessee and was wounded twice. He was preceded in death by his brother, Elwyn Lamar Gaissert of Roswell.
    He grew up in the Brownwood Community of Morgan County and graduated from Madison High School. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1940 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture. He volunteered for service in World War II, enlisting in July 1942, and fought from Casablanca to Berchtesgaden.  Declining OCS, he served with men from Morgan County as a Staff Sergeant, Infantry, in the Third United States Army.
    Following World War II, he served 35 years with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. Upon his retirement in 1986, he was the District Conservationist for Clarke, Oconee, and Oglethorpe Counties. Serving in Athens since 1956, he designed and built most of the lakes in those counties including Sandy Creek Lake and Lake Herrick.  He was always active in his community and church, serving as a Deacon in the Baptist Church. Mr. Gaissert and his wife, Mary, were members of Green Acres Baptist Church in Athens.
    He was beloved by everyone who knew him and was devoted to his Lord and his family.  He was a member of Mount Vernon Lodge #22, F. & A.M. in Athens, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans.  He served in many civic organizations over the years, including Kiwanis.  His is survived by his wife of 66 ½ years, Mary Brandon Gaissert; daughter Christie Gaissert Bettendorf and husband Philip, Oconee County; son John W. Gaissert and wife Michele, Jackson County; grandchildren Ryan Wengrow and wife Rachel, Monroe, John Davis Gaissert, Jackson County, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
    Services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 14 at Bernstein Chapel with Rev. Fred Rowell officiating.  Interment followed at Evergreen Memorial Park with full military honors.  The family received friends Thursday, March 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bernstein Funeral Home.
    Honorary pallbearers were the Adult 5 Men Sunday School Class of Green Acres Baptist Church, Steve Kelly, Cecil Martin, Elwyn Gaissert,II, and Philip E. Bettendorf, Jr.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Association, (DAV), P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250, Attn: Gift Processing.
    Bernstein Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.