IN MEMORIAM
John D. Walrath, 80;
Farmer Of Distinction
EAST SPRINGFIELD – John D. Walrath, 80, a former Otsego County Farm Bureau president who operated a Dairy of Distinction in East Springfield, passed away on Saturday, Feb.20, 2016, at his home.
He was born on May 21, 1935, to Robert and Ruth (Willams) Walrath at his family’s Dutch Corner Farm. On May 5, 1984, he was married to Gail Welden Patterson; she preceded him in death on Dec. 25, 2013.
John was a graduate of Springfield schools and Cornell. He enjoyed his life on Dutch Corner Farm working with his father, Bob, as a registered Holstein farmer.
He was an active 63-year member of the National and New York State Holstein Association. John received the honor of being selected as a delegate to represent New York State at the National Holstein Convention a few times over his career.
He was also a member and director of Dairylea Cooperative, past president of the county Farm Bureau and the O-H-M Holstein Club, where he was sale chairman and hosted the New York State picnic. He was a Past Master of the Springfield Grange.
John was proud to receive the Dairy of Distinction award and was recognized as being a Bi-Centennial Farm in 1993. He retired from farming in November 2000 still remaining active in the O-H-M and Farm Bureau.
John also enjoyed his involvement with the Amish community and playing pitch on Thursday nights.
Affectionately known by his family as Pop, he is survived by his stepdaughter Randalin Patterson of Lansing; “adopted children” Brenda and Brian Hysack of Herkimer; step-grandson Craig Hysack of East Springfield; stepdaughter Susan (Bruce) Hargrove of East Springfield; stepson Daniel (Michelle) Patterson of Richfield Springs; and adopted grandchildren Brian Jr. and Sarah Hysack and step-grandson Randall Patterson, as well as several cousins.
John was predeceased by a stepdaughter Anne Patterson and his step grandson Kyle Hysack.
Services and burial will be scheduled for May 21, 2016. An announcement will be published at a later date by Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley. To send online condolences visit www.ottmanfuneralhome.com
Donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice in John’s memory.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Ottman Funeral Home.
