Walter Howard Stickler (1889-1950)

Biography
Walter Howard, born 1889 was the first child of John James Stickler and Ellen Clerke. He attended grade school in Lansford but upon finishing eighth grade, decided not to continue with high school. This disappointed his father who placed a high value on education.

Walter prevailed. He began working at the Lehigh Navigation Coal Co. at Lansford, PA and later went to work in Cleveland, Ohio as a draftsman for the Cleveland Crane & Engineering Co. There he met Clara Edna Gies whom he married on 21 February 1911. Walter and Clara visited his parents in Lansford three months after their marriage. He had suffered from typhoid fever the previous year and was not as yet in complete health as reported in the following news item in the 27 May 1911 issue of the Lansford Leader: -

"Walter Stickler and wife, of Columbus, Ohio, arrived in town on Sunday. Walter had typhoid fever last year and has not been as well as he should be. He will remain for a few months to recuperate."

Walter and Clara later adopted a young girl, Annette. After ten years marriage Walter divorced Clara and on 2 June 1924 married Rosa M. Wensinger, a librarian from Cleveland, Ohio. Walter and Rosa lived in Elkhart, Indiana where Walter worked as a dye maker and later settled in White Pigeon, MI. He was a self-educated mechanical engineer and among the companies which benefited from his talents were Indian Motorcycle and Magnavox. In later life Walter owned a large (asparagus) farm complete with horses and when not practicing his trade as dye maker, he enjoyed best caring for his horses. Walter suffered a heart attach and died suddenly in 1950 while helping a neighbour with plumbing repairs.

Contributors
Nathanville