Lyle Arthur Walstad, 85, of Opheim, MT died on June 13, 2018, at Valley View Nursing Home. He was born in Opheim on May 26, 1933, to Elmer and Alvina (Stein) Walstad, the 3rd of 4 children and the only boy. He graduated from Opheim High School in 1951, where he was active in football, basketball and student council. He attended college at MSU Bozeman for a brief time before coming home to help on the family farm due an illness in the family. Lyle married his high school sweetheart, Nina Flickinger, on June 20, 1953, at Holy Family Parish in Glentana. From this union, seven children were born. Lyle was a farmer his entire life, and in the off seasons he worked for Roland Arnold Construction during the construction of Highway 24, and was a heavy equipment operator for Allen Stuber, building many dams in the area and doing snow removal at the Opheim radar base. He was involved in many community activities and served on various boards in Valley County over the course of his life: the Opheim School Board, Farmers Union Grain Board, First Security Bank Board, and Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital Board. Lyle was also actively involved in the initial development of the Cottonwood Inn.
Lyle lived an active life. He played catcher on the local baseball team for many years and traveled to tournaments in Canada and made many friends. In his late 60’s, he became an avid runner, and participated in many Governor’s Cup races, Fort Peck Dam runs and one Ice Breaker. In 2006 Lyle climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with his son, Michael. Lyle and Nina did much traveling in the winter time, and together they saw the entire world. His passport included stamps from all seven continents: favorites were Mexico, much of Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia, many different islands, and repeated visits to Australia and New Zealand. His fondness for Guinness can be traced back to this spirit of adventure, having been introduced to “mother’s milk” on the opposite side of the globe from where it is brewed. Eventually, he would travel to Dublin and enjoy it at its birthplace. He and Nina made friends wherever they went, and hosted many of these new acquaintances on their farm, giving people from all over a chance to see the life of an American Farmer.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nina; his sister Carol Williams of Edgewood, WA; his seven children – Donette Johnson of Opheim, Michael (Sherri) Walstad of Chester; Paulette (Steve) Knaff of Glasgow; Lynnette Nelson of Opheim; Darrell (Maggan) Walstad of Glasgow/Opheim; Annette Walstad (John Rausch) of Helena; and Suzette (Steve) Stokke of Belgrade.
Nineteen (19) Grandchildren: Lisa George of Edmonds, WA; Sarah Morales of Opheim; Stephanie Johnson of Washington, DC; Bethany (Matt) Schatzke of Billings; Stacee (Dru) Lyders of Tuscon, AZ; Patrick (Gaylen) Walstad of Billings; Greg Knaff of Omaha, NE; Laura (Isaac) Vigil of Glasgow; Loren (Kendra) Nelson of Billings; Luke (Ashley) Nelson of Opheim; Leah (Kevin) Johnson of Highwood; Ellen Walstad of Glasgow/Opheim; Abigail, Emma and Isabel Rausch of Helena; and Jacob, Paige and Hanna Stokke of Belgrade.
Sixteen (16) Great grandchildren: Tree, Kenya and Eli George, Keleigh Morales, Kenzee, Adalyn and Lylah Lyders, Payton Heilbrun, Hazel Walstad, Hailey and Jason Vigil, Kaelynn Canfield, Nash and Briggs Nelson, Elliot and Avery Nelson; and many other relatives.
Lyle was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Alvina; sister and brother-in-law Viola and Floyd McDowell; sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Lee Conley; brother-in law Wayne Williams; grandson Erik Walstad; and sons-in-law Brad Johnson and David Nelson.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Montana Chapter, 3010 11th Ave N, Billings MT 59101 https://www.alz.org/montana/ or the charity of donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service & Wake
7:00 p.m.
Friday June 15, 2018
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Ave N.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Saturday June 16, 2018
Holy Family Catholic Church
Glentana, Montana 59240
Service Schedule
Prayer Service & Wake
7:00 p.m.
Friday June 15, 2018
St. Raphael's Catholic Church
412 3rd Ave N.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Saturday June 16, 2018
Holy Family Catholic Church
Glentana, Montana 59240
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cindy garcia says
I’m so sorry to hear of Lyle’s passing. With all my heart I wish I could be there to offer a hug and smile through tears at hearing your stories about his love for his wife and family. God bless you and comfort you all.
Cindy (St.John) Garcia
Rebecca Schuster says
At mass in Glentana, Lyle’s favorite place to sit was in the back. Probably so he didn’t have to arrive early. When I was in high school and free to saunter across the street for mass on my own time, I’d compete with him to see if I could show up later but still sort of on time… at least before the first reading. He might not’ve considered it a competition, but he’d be ready with a “look” or tap on his watch.
To this day, if given a choice, I often choose a seat near the back of a room, and whether by choice or fate, I’m hardly ever early to anything. Kindred spirits.
I’ll miss Lyle. I already miss observing my dad and him sipping beer and enjoying visits, whether they agreed politically or not. The familiarity of the world changes with loss and hardship.
I’ll be with the Walstad family in spirit, sitting in back, of course.
Love to you all, Bec
Kim Stellflug says
My prayers are with Nina and the Walstad family. Alzheimer’s steals so much from the person suffering as well as the family. Lyle was always a great neighbor and someone I always held great respect for. Rest In Peace.
Kim Fuhrman Madler says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sorry we won’t be able to attend the funeral. Just know we will be thinking of you.
RaeLeigh Palmer says
Lyle was Dad to my Godmother and Grandpa to my 3 beautiful Godsisters. It has been a blessing to know him and the amazing family he raised. Sending all my love to Grandma Nina and the rest. Well done, good and faithful servant. Rest peacefully.
Brent Fuhrman says
My sincere condolences to the Walstad family. Lyle and Nina raised a great family based on integrity and respect. He will be missed by many!
Skip Sobien says
I was an Air Force SSgt stationed at Opheim Air Force Station sometime between 1972 and 1976 when I first met Lyle. I was standing in his home in Opheim with my then girlfriend Nancy St John, talking to Donette, when Lyle walked in. I got the look of distrust immediately from Lyle. My intentions were purely honorable, but you know those base guys! Later, working with my future father-in-law and bro-in-law, Ray and Gene St John, I got to know Lyle better. I had a lot of respect for him and for the other farmers in the area as they successfully made their livings farming, providing well for their families, and just being the good folk that they always seemed to be. I couldn’t help but be impressed with Lyle’s continuing quest for physical fitness, even in his later years. There he was with a backpack, could have been full of heavy rocks, out distance walking. That may have fueled my own desire to be fit now in my own later years. Thanks Lyle for leading the way! -Skip Sobien
M Gilsdorf says
Thinking of you all on this special Father’s Day. “May the Lord bless you and take care of you; May the Lord be kind and gracious to you; May the Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.” much love, Peggy, Keith and kids
Jeff Omvig and family says
Aunt Nina and family: I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Lyle. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Omvig and family says
Aunt Nina and family: I’m so sorry to hear of Uncle Lyle’s passing. So much here that I didn’t know about him – what an amazing life he led! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marcia says
My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in one another as well as in God’s promises for the future. Revelation 21:4
Steve Bell says
Sorry for the loss. I have good memories of Lyle. I was blessed that he let me work for him some on his farm. It was a great experience. Good memories and great impression he had on my life there.