Walter Van Daveer
Walter Van Daveer passed away
peacefully on November 11, 2010 at the age of 94. He was born to
Fred and Nellie Van Daveer on February 2, 1916.
Walt was raised on the family homestead located on Van
Daveer Road, South of Billings. He had many memories of
growing up on the homestead: riding horseback to school, the
Model T they drove into town to high school, the baseball
field he built and the Blue Creek baseball team. His mother
decided the field was perfect for a garden so he had to find
another place for his field. Walt was always at home and at
peace in the Blue Creek area.
Following high school, Walt ventured to Seattle where he was
drafted into the Army in 1945. Upon discharge from the Anny
he went to work for a power line contractor in Billings. He
and a partner purchased the company and built power lines
and sub-stations across the Western States for 30 years. He
was very proud of bringing power to rural residents of those
areas.
After his retirement he spent many hours of enjoyment in his
garden where he always had a bumper crop of vegetables. He
shared his produce with everyone. Family members remember
raiding his raspberry patch, grape arbor and tomato garden.
He also took up golf and with his brother, Jack and spent
many happy hours at Par 3 or meeting for a game in Big
Timber.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Frieda; sisters Mae
Steffanich and Mary West; brothers Jack, Fred and Ralph; and
companion, Mercedes LaBane.
He is survived by nieces; Judy Van Daveer, Linda Wolfe,
Anita Schnebly, and Janet Dilard; nephews Jonathan, Mike and John Van Daveer
and Lee Steffanich. Walt enjoyed a special relationship with
great niece Andrea Gause and her children Riley and Kathryn.
Walt was a caring and generous person. He was loved and
admired by all his extended family.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 17 at Michelotti-Sawyers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Legion. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Highgate Memory Care Cottage for the excellent care they gave him.
Remembrances
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Our
Deepest Sympathy, For the Loss of our Beloved Grandpa Walter. He was
such a wonderful man he Loved our Mom/Grandma Mercedes soo much! Always
witty or could totally kick your butt in a mean game of pool, Loved his
beautiful Garden and of course the Ducks. My Children never had a
Grandfather, Walter sure stepped up and became there beloved grandpa
Walter, they are so blessed to have had him in there life. He will
always live on in our Hearts
Fondly
Grandpa Walters California kids,
Ron, Denise, Paul, and Corie Labane