John Andrew Perry Wallace, 89

John Andrew Perry Wallace, 89, passed away on March 10, 2011, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

He was born March 16, 1921, in Pilot Rock, Ore. John graduated from high school in Kendrick, Idaho, in 1939. He entered Eastern Washington College, studying to join the Navy to train as an officer and pilot. He enlisted in 1942 and married his college sweetheart and Whitefish alumna, Anne Hansen, in 1943.

He served in World War II and the Korean War, flying anti-submarine patrol squadrons. He never lost a man or a plane. He was qualified to fly 32 different Navy planes and was active in Naval Reserve and Recruiting. Cmdr. Wallace retired (for the first time) in 1963 from the Navy. 

He began a second career making his family and community his life’s work as they moved to Kenmore, Wash. John was active and instrumental the Northshore Chamber of Commerce, Kenmore Library Board, Kenmore Community Club, YMCA, Boy Scouts, Little League and more. Wallace Swamp Creek Park in Kenmore was named in honor of John and Anne when they retired, again, to Whitefish in 1980.

In Whitefish, John was active in the American Legion in the white cross program, Glacier baseball and as an officer. He and Arlene enjoyed many hours volunteering with the Whitefish Historical Society and Museum and at the Whitefish library.   

John was preceded in death by his wife and co-pilot of 42 years, Anne; his sister, Donna Theissen; his brother, Glenn; and his parents, Lillie and Lester.

John is survived by Arlene Deobald Watts Wallace, his Kendrick ’39 classmate and wife of 23 years; and his dear sister, Ervalyn Hill. Also, his daughter, Kristianna and her husband, Sven; and son, John Clarke. He enjoyed and celebrated the interests, activities and charm of his grandchildren, Taren, Annika, Isabella, Sabrina and Julia; and great-grandchild, Melody. He is also survived by and was deeply fond of his stepfamily, Jane Weiss, Linda Newberry and Sue Eschen, their spouses, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and by many Wallace nephews, nieces, and their children and grandchildren.

Many, many friends made throughout the years were all very special to John. Any visitor was welcomed as warmly as family. 

We will celebrate John's life with a funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 14, at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Whitefish, with burial to follow at 1 p.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Luncheon following.  

We will deeply miss the twinkle in his eye, his positive attitude and his lifelong generosity of his time and talents. 

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Parkinson Research Foundation (www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org) or the Stumptown (Whitefish) Historical Society (www.stumptownhistoricalsociety.org). Thank you.

Arrangements entrusted to Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.