Jerry Ralph Wallem, 76

Jerry Ralph Wallem, 76, passed away on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at the Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born April 18, 1933, in Fargo, N.D., during the height of one of America s greatest historic moments " the Great Depression. His parents, Esther (Burmeister) Wallem and Joseph Wallem, a World War I veteran, moved from Fargo with their three older sons to Glasgow, to follow the building of the Fort Peck dam. Families followed jobs; a tradition that persists today. As a highly impressionable pre-adolescent during World War II, the great wars " fought by his father, older relatives and friends " influenced his decision to join the Navy upon graduating from Glasgow High School in 1951. Jerry served as a machinist/mate class A in the Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Sicily aircraft carrier during the Korean War in the 1950s. Jerry was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, China Service Record, and United Nations Service Medal. Jerry s military service is further evidence that his life is a reflection of the times. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1956, Jerry joined the Morrison-Maierle Consulting Engineering firm as a Rodman and Chainman for the Glasgow Air Force Base. He continued his distinguished 38-year career with the firm, and was the lead surveyor, crew chief, and resident project representative on numerous projects. Jerry was a builder who contributed his surveying skills on some of the Pacific Northwest s largest construction projects, the interstate highway system in Montana, Washington and Oregon, dams along the Columbia River and its tributaries, wastewater treatment plants, and airports. By the time he retired in 1994, he had the longest career of active Morrison-Maierle employees. He was forced into early retirement in 1994 by a debilitating stroke. Jerry married Bonnie Ruth Brown on August 18, 1962 and together they forged a loving marriage and partnership that lasted nearly half a century. Jerry, you didn t set out to change the world, but your lifetime of loyalty and dedication to your family, your career with Morrison-Maierle, Inc., and your conservative values had a positive and lasting impact on your family and community. Your willingness to do your work everyday helped to weave a tapestry that gave your family the freedom to explore their passions. Your contributions to society were many: the interstate, the dams, the airports, the roads, and wastewater treatment plants. America s, especially the Pacific Northwest s, transportation and energy systems benefited all because of your, and others like you, dedication to your job. We ll miss your quiet humility and your beautiful smile that lit up your wonderful blue eyes. Thank you! Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Bonnie; infant children, Celeste and Luther; parents, Joseph and Esther Wallem; in-laws, Don and Esther Brown; brothers, Ronald, Charles and Kenneth; sister, Joann Crowley; and sister-in-law, Carolee. Jerry is survived by his daughter, Leslie; grandchildren, Alec and Tori; brother, Glen; brothers-in-law, Jack Crowley and Scott Brown; sisters-in-law, Alice and Mary Wallem, Marsha Paulson and Judy McKenna; and numerous nieces and nephews. A combined memorial service for Jerry and Bonnie are pending. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Jerry s family.