Walter was the second of three sons born to Edwin A. and Florence Tostevin on July 22, 1894.He was attending the University of North Dakota studying civil engineering and playing on UNDs first football team when he was drafted.After the war, he returned to Mandan and went to work for the Pioneer, eventually becoming the papers Business and Advertising Manager.
Walter, Henry Dahners and some friends formed a musical group and played at barn dances all around the area.Though accomplished on many musical instruments, it was playing the piano that showcased his talents.Walters wife, the former Doris Bloomer, always cautioned him about the ragtime beat that crept into his version of Onward Christian Soldiers when it was time for him to play the organ at Sunday services.
When he wasnt busy at the paper, playing musical gigs, or pulling practical jokes, Walter was an inventor.He was granted a patent on a gyroscopic automobile headlamp.
Walter and Doris had three girls, including a set of twins.Their daughter Lucille Hendrickson followed the family tradition and became a newspaper reporter.She worked for the Mandan Pioneer and later joined the Bismarck Tribune, winning many awards for her reporting, including some from the Associated Press.She stayed at the Tribune until her retirement.
Walter died on May 20, 1960. He and his wife Doris are buried in Union Cemetery in Mandan.
The Mandan Pioneer remained in the Tostevin for another three years.
The Society would like to thank members James and Patricia Tostevin for sharing this information with us.
