Richard Charles Waltee

Richard C. Waltee, 91, passed peacefully at his home in Butte, Montana, on October 7th, 2022, with his family by his side. Rich was born on September 9th, 1931 in Crystal Falls, Michigan to Charlie and Aune Waltee. Rich was proud to be from the Upper Peninsula, a Yooper, in Michigan. He loved joking and sharing stories about working hard on the family farm, swimming at local lakes, fishing, eating lutefisk, being on a high school football championship team and his time with his grandparents in the “UP”. In 1950, Rich graduated from high school and moved to Butte, Montana. He worked for the Anaconda Company for three months prior to joining the U.S. Navy. After joining the Navy, he went to torpedo school in Newport, Rhode Island. He was then transferred to San Diego and served on three submarines in the Korean War until he was honorably discharged on August 7th, 1954. He was quick to correct anyone that called submarines ships and not boats. He was proud to serve his country. After his discharge he worked as boilermaker for the Anaconda Company for 35 years. He was known by all for his dedication and hardworking ethic. Rich married his life long companion and best friend Betty Lou Parrett on March 29th, 1954. They had five children together in Butte, Montana and enjoyed 56 years together. Rich was a proud Finlander, avid fisherman, hunter, camper, but most known in his community for his love of a good garage sale, especially in his bibs. He loved reading and collecting books about the “old-times” and was a Green Bay Packer fan through and through. Other hobbies included telling “stories” to his grandchildren, such as his stint as a professional wrestler named “The Jackhammer”, that he ran the hurdles backwards faster than others forward or his fishing worms did not get bit they reached out and grabbed the fish. He also loved attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. Rich is survived by his children Rick and Eileen LaBreche, Denise and Chuck Hazlett, Mark and Kim Waltee and Dennis Waltee. His grandchildren Nicole and Bruno Kraus, Chuck and Anya Hazlett, Jason and Marry Hazlett, Autumn and Vance Kielb, Drew and April Waltee, Somer Watson, Kayla Wheeler and family, Veronica and Eric Anderson and family, Christopher Waltee, sister-in-law Glenna Waltee. His great grandchildren Blake and Rian Kraus, Katie Kraus, Megan Hazlett, Jayde and Dyllan Lane, Paige Hazlett, Serenity Mikkola, Bode and Adalie Hazlett, McKenzie and Carson Kielb, Trout and Holter Waltee, Brooke and Teal Taylor, Shelby and Taylor Theil, JD LaBreche, Greg Hamaker and Zander Polich. Along with his great, great grandchildren Lincoln, Charlie Kraus and numerous nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife Betty Lou Waltee; parents, Charlie and Aune Waltee; daughter, Ellen Barry; brother, Dwain Jenson Waltee; brother, Kenny Waltee; brother, Don Waltee; brother Bob Waltee and sister, Glenys Jenson, grandson Bill LaBreche. A very special thank you to Dr. Wendy Grace for all her care and compassion in caring for Rich the last 10 years. The family asks that any donations or memorials be made in Rich’s name to Butte Silver Bow Animal Shelter.

Tributes

Richard Charles Waltee

September 9, 1931 - October 7, 2022