Walter Glenn Van Alstine, 89

“Of all the things I’ve done in my life, I am most proud of my family. I sometimes sit here and wonder, what did I do to deserve all this? Though I feel bad, just a bit. Obviously I got the good end of all this cause you’re all stuck with my ugly, stubborn butt.” — Wally, when asked about his happiness.

Walter Glenn Van Alstine, 89, passed away the evening of March 22, 2018, while preparing for surgery at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

He was born in Kalispell on Jan. 11, 1929, to Edith and Leon Van Alstine of Kalispell. Walter, fondly known as “Wally” or “Glenn,” grew up a true Montanan. He was an adventurer, tinkerer, rebel with a cause, with a deep love for his faith, his family, his home and his country. Wally went into the United States Army at the age of 17 and was deployed overseas to defend the country and family he loved so dearly. His service would be filled with many firsts, quenching his unending curiosity of the world that was so different from his dust-covered roads and beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Wild like a stallion in his youth, he was eventually tamed by a woman as fiery as he was fickle, by the name of Betty Jean Patterson. Wally and Betty welcomed two girls into the world during their 68 years of marriage, Debbie and Rita. After his time in the service, he went to work for the Great Northern Railroad where he worked for 41 years.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Edith Van Alstine, brothers Richard and Bob, sister Laura Patterson, and daughter Debra (Debbie) Sletten.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Jean (Patterson) Van Alstine; his daughter, Rita (Van Alstine) Allison; sister, Barbara Patterson; four grandchildren, Deena Brenden and husband Jim, Daryl Sletten and wife Kelly, Joleen Allison and James Van Alstine and wife Karen; and five great-grandchildren, Bryce Brenden, Jared Brenden, Jordan Sletten, Cassidy Sletten and Kaylin Van Alstine. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, and loving adopted friends.

Services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Whitefish on Saturday, March 26, with viewing from 10 to 11 a.m., and the service at 11 a.m.. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is caring for Walter’s family. Please go to www.austinfh.com to share memories and leave condolences for the Van Alstine family.