Walter C. Litzner, 93, of St. Ignace, was a U.S. Army veteran who served as head usher for more than 36 years at every Mass at the St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in St. Ignace. Mr. Litzner died Monday morning, June 28, 2010, at Mackinac Straits Health System in St. Ignace. He had been a resident of Mackinac Straits Long Term Care for 13 months.

He was born February 12, 1917, in Allenville, to Adam and Anna Louise (nee Soblaskey) Litzner.

Mr. Litzner served in the United States Army from April 1942 to November 1945, serving overseas as a first sergeant.

He was a member of the DAV, VFW, and American Legion. He was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and a 4th Degree Knight.

Mr. Litzner loved music, and it was a great part of his life. He was a very warm and friendly man who never raised his voice, friends said, and children were drawn to his warmheartedness.

Mr. Litzner owned Litzner Water Well Drilling with his brother, George, for many years. He also was a mentor to many who called upon him for advice about water well drilling.

He married Gertrude Winters June 1, 1943, at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, and she survives. They had just celebrated 67 years of marriage.

In addition to his wife, Gertrude, Mr. Litzner is survived by a brother and his family, Arthur and Ruby Litzner of San Antonio, Texas; a sister and her family, LaVerne Shimkovitz of Allenville; sisters-in-law and their families, Mary Gruler of Petoskey and Margaret Perry of California, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Doug, who died November 2, 1991, in an automobile accident; two brothers, Eddie and George; twin sisters, Rose Dahlstrom and Ruth Johnson; a sister, Margaret Jackson, and an infant sister, Helen Litzner.

A memorial Mass will be held in early August at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, with burial in St. Ignatius Cemetery.

Dodson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.