Donald Walters passed away on December 31, 2016. He was born on December 7, 1927 in Sharon, North Dakota to Alice Foss and Donald Hansen. He attended school through the 10th grade and then began working as a farm hand which initiated his love for farming. He enlisted in the army at age 18 and served for four years. Upon his return in 1950, he married the love of his life, Glenna Mae Gilkison. They moved to Livingston, Montana where Don was employed by Strong and Bradley Implement. They began their family and soon they had 3 children Deborah Gayle (1951), Rhonda Jane (1954) and Donny Perry (1960). They moved to Townsend in 1966 because Don was given an opportunity to open up his own Strong and Bradley John Deere business. In 1967, their daughter Kari Lynn was born.
Don had a passion for flying and got his pilot’s license and an airplane so he and his business partner, Bill Strong, could travel between businesses in Montana. Don served on the State Bank of Townsend Board of Directors for 35 years and retired from his John Deere business in 1986. He later began working for Valley Sales as a farm equipment salesman and was happy to be there for several years until he and Glenna decided to travel south for a few winters. They loved attending dances in various locations and they both attended Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, which they helped build when they moved to Townsend. Don was a true family man and enjoyed each one of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anybody.
Don is survived by his wife Glenna of the family home, daughter Rhonda Kepner of Lewistown and her children Carmen, Emily, and Erica; son Donny Walters of Townsend; and daughter Kari Williams (Jamie) of Townsend and their children Blake and Brett; and granddaughter Angela Shanley (Doug) of Bozeman. In addition, he is survived by 7 great children, numerous neices and nephews, and by his sister Amy (Mel) Bugbee of Grand Forks, ND and his brother Edwin of Sedona, MO. His daughter Deborah Wiilliams, parents, and sisters Louella and Betty preceded him in death.
A Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 3rd at Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church, 20 Trailhead Drive, Townsend. Burial will follow the service at Deep Creek Cemetery in Townsend with a reception to follow the burial at the church. Please visit www.stevensonwilkefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Donald.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday January 3, 2017
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the service
Tuesday January 3, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the burial
Tuesday January 3, 2017
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday January 3, 2017
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the service
Tuesday January 3, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the burial
Tuesday January 3, 2017
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Clayton & Sheryl McElravy says
Dear Glenna, Rhonda, Donny, Kari and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. We always enjoyed his quick wit, cooking lutefisk at the church and a good Polka. He will certainly be missed. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers
Dave and Arliss Sakos says
Dear Walter’s Family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. So sorry to hear the news of Don’s passing. We have so many fond memories of him. He surely will be missed.
Scott briggs says
Dear family,
Our deepest condolences to you all. So sorry we can’t be there for the family when it’s needed. Uncle Don was truly one of the best. He definitely taught me how to mana cure a yard! Loved coming to Townsand in the summer. Just to hope that he hadn’t cut the big beautiful yard that they had. So I could mow for him. And as always the cut lines had to be perfect! Love to all. Scott and Sherice Briggs.
Ward and Sherry Scoffield says
Glenna, Rhonda, Donny, and Kari,
We want you to know that Don and his family have been in our prayers for a long time. Don was a friend and a pleasure to do business with… always cheerful, honest and fair. A very good man with a wonderful supportive wife and family. We are very sorry to miss his service.
Ward and Sherry Scoffield
bill and anita kearns says
don will be so missed. he was an inspiration to all who knew him. bill and anita keanr
Betsy and David Riley says
We’re so sorry for your family’s loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laurie and Terry Nugent says
Please accept our sincere sympathy in Don’s passing. He will fondly be remembered by many of us as a leader in the church and a wonderful human being. Bless your memories.
Lisa Larson says
Glenna, Rhonda, Donny and Kari,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Don was always the kiddest man with a ready smile for everyone. He will truly be missed.
Chuck and Lisa Larson
Sharon Doig says
Glenna,Rhonda,Donnie,Kari and family: your family was very devoted to one another and to the community. Glenna always had smiles for Don when she visited him. I enjoyed visiting with him at meals although I did most of the talking! He was a good listener. Continue prayers for you at this difficult time.
Terry and Adalee Plummer says
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. I so enjoyed picking up parts from Don-he always had to figure out what I was trying to get and was so nice about it. We always enjoyed meeting you, Glenna, and Don out walking.
Terry and Adalee Plummer
Angela Shanley says
Thanks grandpa for always being there for me and loving me unconditionally. You are the kindest man I know. You taught me so much and I strive to carry on your many wonderful qualities. I treasure each memory I have and feel so blessed and proud to be your granddaughter. I love you to the moon and miss you so much ❤️❤️❤️❤️?
I bet it’s so nice up in heaven since you arrived. Love your magpie?
Ted & Sandy Vanover says
Don was a excellent business man, great family man, accomplished dancer and close friend who loved his family! We have many fond memories of Don and Glenna from our many trips and “mini vacations” together. He will be surely missed. Our love and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Dee Feddes says
Glenna and family…..I’m so sorry for the passing of Don. My heart is sad for you all. Treasure all those wonderful memories!! Thank the Lord for the gift of eternal life!! Love and prayers, Dee
Jo Berg says
Rhonda, and the rest of Don’s family. Heartfelt sympathies to you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karin Sunderland says
Kari and Jamie – so sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna J Francisco says
Walters Family – I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Don. Dad spoke fondly of him and your whole family many, many times. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Patti (Field) Grosfield family says
Glenna, Rhonda, Donny, Kari and families – Our hearts and prayers go out to you. It’s not easy, and you will miss Don often and deeply. Just cherish all those fabulous memories! Don was a wonderful man who did so much for others, so thanks for sharing him. Your family will always be very special to us. We’re sending hugs and best wishes.
Norm and Patti (Field) Grosfield and family
Chuck and Carole Plymale says
Dear Glenna and families – Our thoughts and prayers are with you, especially at this time of Don’s passing. We will always remember his kind smile and gentle way. My dad, Tony Gliko, thought very much of him and would always go to his store, Strong and Bradley, when he came down to visit us. God bless all of you.
Kari Williams says
Dad….I miss you already! It was just last week I was able to touch your cheek and tell you I loved you while you slept. I know you are in heaven. Please know that I will think of you each day, especially while I’m mowing, sitting in the sun, or taking a walk. Thank you for being the best Dad and Papa! Rest in peace and know you were loved so much. ♡
Joe Scollard says
I worked for Don 40 years ago at Strong & Bradley. He was a great man. Always sincere, compasionate, honest, I could go on and on. I always held him in very high esteem. It was my fortune to be associated with such a man. My condolences to his family and the community.
Marge Erickson says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Don was such a nice man. He and Glenna raised a wonderful family. Don was a pleasure to know. He will be so greatly missed. God Bless his wonderful family.
Molly Dronen Moore says
Wish I had known Donald. I, too, was born and raised in Sharon ND. Born in 1947 to Andy & Esther Dronen. Would have loved to share memories and learn about Sharon in its glory days. I retired here to Townsend in 2012.