Doris Jean Walther - Conrad

Doris Jean Walther - Conrad, 96, entered eternal life in heaven on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Lutheran Life Villages – South Anthony in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Doris was born to Alfred and Ida (Roemke) Buuck on February 14, 1930, in Woodburn, Indiana. After graduating from Woodburn High School, Doris entered the teacher training program at Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska. There she met Richard L. Walther. The two were united in marriage on July 10, 1954, at Zion Lutheran Church - Bull Rapids, Indiana. Their union was blessed with eight children. Doris taught one year in San Francisco before dedicating herself to raising her family alongside Richard. They moved to Michigan and later to Illinois where Richard completed his Seminary training. Richard preceded her in death on March 27, 1977.

After Richard’s passing, Doris returned to her Indiana home and worked at Shepherd of the City Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne from 1978 to 1984. She served as secretary in the Vicarage Office at Concordia Theological Seminary from 1984 until her retirement in 1991. On February 24, 1990, Doris married Waldo Conrad at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Ft. Wayne expanding her family even further. Waldo preceded her in death on May 24, 2013. Doris was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim, where she faithfully attended worship, Bible studies, and served in numerous church ministries.

Doris found joy in volunteering her time and talents in and with many Lutheran church organizations throughout her life. The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League was especially meaningful. She was also active with the Chinese Mission and the Seminary Guild. While residing at Lutheran Life Villages, Doris helped establish the First Friends Group, where she warmly welcomed new residents and helped them feel at home by “showing them the ropes.” Her greatest joy was sharing Jesus with all she knew, including her children, grandchildren, step-children, step-grandchildren, and their families.

Survivors include her son, Thomas (Beverly) Walther of Kennewick, Washington; daughter, Deborah (Mel) Tucker of Columbia City, Indiana; son, John (Nancy) Walther of Tustin, California; son, Mark (Tammy) Walther of Lanark, Illinois; daughter, Judy (Mike) Camiliere of Sugar Grove, Illinois; daughter, Christine (John) Monnin of McCallister, Oklahoma; daughter, Gretchen (Pastor Bernhard) Huesmann of Pierce, Nebraska; daughter, Sara (Chad) Hall of Columbia City, Indiana; step-son, Mark (Carma) Conrad of Decatur, Indiana; three step-daughters, Marla (Roger) Manley and Marsha (Sam) Braun both of Decatur, Indiana and Myra (Don) Niemeyer of Fort Wayne, Indiana; two brothers, Rev. Dr. R. John Buuck of Waukesha, Wisconsin and Richard (Jan) Buuck of Olathe, Kansas; 24 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; 17 step-grandchildren; and 29 step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and two husbands, Rev. Richard Walther and Waldo Conrad, Doris is preceded in death by her sister, Nona and Alvin Wade, brother, Robert and Lorraine Buuck, and sister-in-law, Lyla Buuck.

Funeral services for Doris will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim with Pastor Matthew Ulmer and Pastor Bernhard Huesmann officiating.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes in Decatur, and from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. prior to the service on Monday at the church. A private committal will take place at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Addison, Illinois.

Preferred memorials can be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim, Worship Anew, or Lutheran Life Villages.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana