Wallace Dale Vinnedge, 90

Wallace Dale Vinnedge finally rested on July 29, 2024. He was born to Carroll Steven Vinnedge and Minnie Underwood Vinnedge on July 1, 1934 in Cortland, New York. In 1949, he traveled by train from Upstate New York to live with his aunt and uncle, Dorothy, and Ellsworth (Hap) Vinnedge in Bigfork. Wally graduated from Bigfork High School and attended Northern Montana College, earning a degree in science education. He married Delphia Hewitt, while they were in college.
They traveled to Scobey for his first job at Scobey High School where he taught math and science for three years earning his master’s along the way and was high school principal for four years. Wally and Delphia moved back to the Flathead Valley when he accepted a position at Somers Public School as school administrator. Wally later accepted a position as Flathead County Superintendent of Schools, taught at Swan River School and returned to Somers as Superintendent again before retiring. Wally received the G.V. Erickson Award for outstanding school administrator in 1986.
Wally was a compassionate man and loved the children in his schools. He often purchased socks, underwear, tee shirts, and clothes to have on hand for disadvantaged children or those who had need for a change of clothes. He was a sports taxi for the children of Somers and he and Delphia filled the station wagon with little sports stars who needed a ride. In his later years, Wally was a faithful visitor to his friends who had difficulty getting out of their homes and assisted them with their households.
Wally filled his time building houses, laying block, cabinetry, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He arose every morning with purpose and loved working the garden and fruit trees. Though his later years were difficult, Wally maintained a cheerful outlook.
Wally was preceded in death by his father and mother, brothers Arvid and Rolland; sister, Carol Mae; his aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Ellsworth Vinnedge; and his daughter, Pamela Vinnedge Spengler. He is survived by his companion, Joan Sims; sons, Steven (Donna) Vinnedge and Mac (Jody) Vinnedge; daughters, Paula Vinnedge and Lydia Bunten; nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
The Vinnedge Family offer special thanks to Pastor Shawn Osborne of Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork, the wonderful staff at Brendan House, and to the beautiful people who shared their time and love with Wally while he was fighting his illness.
 We will be honoring Wally’s memory at Bethany Lutheran Church on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. All are welcome to help us commit his soul to our Father.