Walter Zdepski

Walter Zdepski, age 91, of Kingwood Township, Stockton, NJ passed away peacefully in his family home on Monday, October 26, 2020. On October 31, 1928, Walter was born to the late Harry and Eva (Gula) Zdepski in the very same house.

Walter enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950. He served during the Korean War on two destroyers, the U.S.S. Mansfield and the U.S.S. Hailey. Upon his discharge in 1954 he returned to Hunterdon County and purchased the family farm from his parents.

He was a life-time member of Baptistown Baptist Church and attended Stockton Wesleyan Church. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, he was a crane operator by trade working in steel mills. Farming was in his blood. He farmed part-time for Lloyd Wescott in the 1960’s. Around 1970, he accepted the position of Farm Manager at Stone Rows Farm, Stockton, NJ from Col. James and Nancy Horn, where he worked the fields and assisted in creating a herd of prize-winning Simmental cattle. When the farm changed hands and was purchased by the Foley Family, it was important to them that Walter stay on as Manager, which he did until his retirement in 2012 at the age of 84.

He could pick up just about any instrument and play it. Storytelling was his gift – and one he shared with anyone who would listen.

His wife of sixty-three years, Ruth H. Snyder, passed away in 2016. He is survived by their five children, Steven A. Zdepski of Kingwood Township, Le R. Zdepski of Bedminster PA, MaryAnna Zdepski of Stockton NJ, Walter J. Zdepski of Baptistown NJ, and Eva Zdepski of Palm Beach FL, as well as his amazing nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. His family brought him joy every day. He was predeceased by his five brothers and two sisters, John Zdepski, Stephen Zdepski, Michael Zdepski, Stanley Zdepski, David Zdepski, Anna Zdepski and Helen Fackleman.

Funeral services will be graveside officiated by Reverend Dave Errickson at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at Rosemont Cemetery, Route 519, Rosemont, NJ. A Celebration of Walter’s Life will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street in Flemington NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Walter’s name may be made to Stockton Wesleyan Church, P O Box 184, Stockton, NJ 08559.

For further information regarding the Celebration of Life or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.