Walter Stark, 80

Walter Stark, 80, beloved husband, father, and friend, died of a massive heart attack Thursday, July 18, 2013, while cycling through the beautiful roads of Montana. He is survived by his love, Corrine, to whom he was married for 20 years.

Walter immigrated to the United States from Switzerland — where he met his first wife, Gisela — in 1955. They were married in New York and were together for 34 years until Gisela’s death in 1991.

During his more than 30 years working in the airline industry, Walter managed the airport stations of New York, Chicago and Stuttgart. His profession allowed him to travel to places all over the globe. He loved meeting new people and experiencing new places. He was also an avid cyclist. In 1978 Walter became the Illinois State Cycling Champion, setting a new state record for the 10-mile time trial.

In 1995, Walter retired to Bigfork and shortly thereafter began to play his violin again. To his delight, he was accepted into the Glacier Symphony. Family was very dear to him, and he looked forward to flying back to Chicago each year to celebrate Thanksgiving together. The highlight of his last birthday was having the entire “Thanksgiving Gang” come out to Montana to celebrate his big day. He was an inspiration to so many.

Walter is survived by his wife, Corrine; a daughter, Desiree, and her husband, Mike; a sister, Iris, and her husband, Ernst; a step-daughter, Amy; step-sons Kaj, and his wife, Yvoune, and Arne, and his wife, Stephanie; 3 granddaughters, Sophie, Liv, and Maia; and a nephew, Dieter.

Walter will be missed not only by his family but also by the numerous individuals whose lives he touched.

You are invited to stop by Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home between 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday to share memories and offer condolences. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell, 603 S. Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glacier Symphony.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Walter’s family. You are invited to visit www.jgfuneralhome.com online to view Walter’s tribute wall, offer condolences, and share memories.