Richard W. Waldt Jr., 85

Richard W. Waldt Jr., passed away peacefully on Nov. 3, 2009, after an extended illness. He was born on July 18, 1924, in Washington, D.C., to Richard W. Waldt and Ingrid A. Waldt. He had a twin brother, Roy, and two sisters, Ingrid and Grace. He met his wife and lifelong true love, Lucia H. Stutzenberger, while serving in post-World War II Germany. They were married on Aug. 30, 1948, and had three children over the years, Richard R., Ralph W. and Robin L. They in turn gave him six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941, and served with the Army Air Corps and later the U.S. Air Force for 30 years, ending his distinguished career on April 1, 1971. He served during the war in the Pacific Theater and in Europe. His service took him to several postings in Germany, and to various stateside postings, with the last assignment being Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls. After retirement, he continued to work in Great Falls, but moved the family to Whitefish in June 1972, after falling in love with the Flathead during a summer visit the previous year. He worked in various capacities in the area, among which were the local Chevrolet dealership, Burlington Northern, and finally 11 years at Plum Creek, after which he fully retired. At the time of his death he resided in Brendan House in Kalispell, where he had lived for seven years. It seems that everyone who knew him well, whether through work, friends or family, loved and respected him. Richard loved his family fiercely, and was happiest spending time with them. He and Lucia loved country music, and for a time were a fixture on the dance floor at the Blue Moon, again known and loved by all. Richard had a wonderful sense of humor, and when he laughed, everyone laughed with him. Those who knew him would tell you that he was a simple, humble, quiet man of the highest integrity. His dedication to Lucia was legendary. Truly for his family he was our hero, and the finest man we have ever known. We will dearly miss him. Richard is survived by his two sons, Richard and Ralph; his grandchildren, Suzanne Colman, Richard L. Waldt, Ryan Nelson, Dawn Brelje, Spring Foley and Nikki Haack; and great-grandchildren, Breanna, Shaya, Brandon, Ashley, Devon and Asher. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish, followed by interment at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell.