Walter Epke

Walter Henry Epke (March 21, 1917 – September 8, 2006) was a Republican politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 24th district from 1971 to 1975.

Epke was born in Waco, Nebraska, in 1917,^[1] and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.^[2] Epke raised livestock in York, and owned and operated the York Livestock Sales Company with Wilbur Epke, his twin brother.^[1]

In 1954, Epke ran for the state legislature, challenging State Senator Herbert Diers for re-election in the 24th district, which included Seward and York counties.^[3] In the primary election, Diers placed first with 51 percent of the vote and Epke placed second with 29 percent, and both advanced to the general election.^[4] Diers ultimately defeated Epke, winning re-election 54–46 percent.^[4]

In 1970, Epke ran for the legislature again, challenging appointed State Senator Wayne Schreurs, who was seeking a full term in the 24th district.^[5] In the primary election, Epke placed first, winning 39 percent of the vote to Schreurs's 30 percent,^[6] and they advanced to the general election.^[7] Epke narrowly defeated Schreurs, winning 51–49 percent.^[6][8]

Epke ran for re-election in 1974,^[9] and was challenged for re-election by Doug Bereuter, a consultant, and Dorris Marxhausen, a member of the Seward City Planning Commission.^[10] In the primary election, Bereuter placed first, receiving 41 percent of the vote to Epke's 32 percent and Marxhausen's 26 percent.^[11][12] Bereuter ultimately defeated Epke, winning 55–45 percent.^[11][13]

Epke died on September 8, 2006.^[1]