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Waldo Platte
Waldo Fredrick Platte, age 92, formerly of Kiester, MN died Monday, December 21, 2020 at his home at Pharr South in Pharr, Texas. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery in Kiester, MN, with Military Honors accorded by the Kiester American Legion Post. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is entrusted with services. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.brussheitner.com.
Waldo F. Platte was born January 27, 1928 in Waverly, Iowa the son of Fred H. and Birdie (Arns) Platte. He graduated from Waverly High School and graduated from Wartburg College in 1950 with a B. S. degree. At Wartburg College he received Honors: Hertel Award for Senior Outstanding Athlete; Adams Trophy as Freshman lettering in 3 sports; Inducted into Wartburg College Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. He served in the United States Army and served in Quartermaster Corps during Korean Conflict. On December 30, 1950 he was united in marriage to Marion E. Pankow in Kiester, MN. Waldo was associated with Pankow Motor Company and the Ford Dealership in Kiester from 1952-1965. Waldo taught social studies at Crestland Community School at Early, IA and coached track from 1965-1967. He taught at Kiester Public School from 1967-1983 and coached Girls basketball and boys and girls track. Boys track team won Class A State Title in 1973 and he was named Minnesota Coach of the Year for Track in 1973. Waldo always enjoyed sports and especially the years he spent coaching. His contacts with his student athletes have been great memories for him.
He was a charter member of the Kiester Lions Club as well as in McAllen, TX. He was a member of the Kiester American Legion Post, NEA-MEA. Waldo served on City Council in Kiester and also on Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Council in Kiester. He served 4 years on Winter Texan Advisory Board at our Savior’s Lutheran Church in McAllen, TX. He enjoyed playing golf, cribbage and shuffleboard. He loved to play and watch sports, he enjoyed reading, cooking and working in his garden. He especially loved making jellies and any kind of dessert in the kitchen. Many summers were spent at their cabin on Little Pelican Lake in Brainerd.
Waldo is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marion of Pharr, TX; several nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Ruth (Ray) Deike, Winifred (Henry) Tiedt.
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Mr. Platte- You were our class advisor – the last one that you had as you retired after we graduated. (1983)- We gave you a fishing pole for your retirement gift from the class. You made me a better runner in track by challenging me to improve . Thanks for all the great high school memories.
Sympathies to Marion. Many basketball memories.
My sympathies Marion, I remember Waldo as a teacher interested in all students from the top of the class to the bottom. He gave encouragement and support to those who struggled , giving them the challenge to do better. I enjoyed talking with him at our church in 2012 when I had received my advanced degree. I reminded him of something he did for me that encouraged me to keep trying. Also on a more humorous note as cheerleaders we asked him to participate in a skit where he had to come out of an enlargement machine as a baby! I was so impressed how he went along with the humor and dressed up as a baby diaper and all and was the hit of the pepfest! Thank you Waldo for the memories and being a part of so many lives and the community!
My sympathies to Marion. I enjoyed Mr Platte as a teacher and a coach. I was just reliving some fun basketball memories this week. Thanks Coach!
Rest in Peace Mr. Platte
Marion, my heart goes out to you! I always enjoyed visiting with Waldo at track and field. You were our home room guardian and trusted librarian. I may have given you gray hair a little before your time. I think Waldo would agree it wasn’t always my fault. God Bless You Marion!
He was my coach, neighbor and friend. Will always be thankful for him and Marion Platte. RIP Mr. Platte. He loved taking care of his flowers by his house. One picture I took is in the National Library of Congress in a book. I made a piece of art from it.
Condolences to Marion, many many fond memories of being coached by Mr. Platte.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Platte. A great teacher, coach and community leader. Even though I take credit for winning a battle of Indian wrestling against him, he was always a winner as far as pushing his students and athletes to be the best that they could be. I am very proud to have been a student of Mr. Platte.
Our sincere sympathy Marion. I remember our visit with you and Waldo the last summer you were in Kiester. I have some beautiful iris that you gave me that year. Think of you both when they bloom.
My sincere sympathy, Mrs. Platte.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Marion. I have many fond memories of Waldo that I formed at school and at my parents cafe in Kiester. I also remember years after graduation when I moved into a house across the street from the two of you and he would walk over to visit. He was a kind and interesting man.
My thoughts are with you Marion, rest in peace Coach Platte.
Thinking of you Marion. Rest in peace coach.
Take care marion. Waldo was my favorite teacher and coach.
Marion, I’m so thankful you and Waldo hosted past track reunions. As a natural coach, he had an uncanny ability to be one of the guys yet instill responsibility in us. He inspired us to give our best because we knew he cared. Waldo had an impact on so many and will be missed by us all. I thank God for our time with him.
Great guy, great friend and wonderful coach. May he rest in peace.
My sincere sympathy Marion. Mr. Platte was a great teacher and coach! Always enjoyed having a visit with him when you were in Kiester. RIP
Uncle I will miss you. Rest now and a new adventure to come. Your life was so filled. You will be in my heart and memories always.❤️❤️
RIP.Mr Platte. You were a great coach and teacher you new how to get the best out of people.
My sincere condolences. “Mr. Platte” was a true gentleman–kind, caring. He loved his students and those of us that he coached. It was my privilege to know him and to be the beneficiary of his kindness, patience and love. I will always have fond memories.
I t is sad to hear of Waldo.s’ passing but encouraging to think of all the lives that he touched and equipped for sports and for life. It was a pleasure to coach and teach with him. Our sympathies to Marion. We will cherish his memory.
My condolences Marion. Mr. Platte was a great teacher and class advisor but more than that you folks were great neighbors. I will always remember how he sought to get the best out of his students and those he coached. I also loved his green Ford pickup…a classic for a classic!