Fred’s loud booming laugh will now be heard in heaven, as he continues his 67-year love affair with his wife Gerry (passed March 27). Fred, a fun, kind, smart man, passed away at home with Scott, (son), Valerie (daughter/caregiver), and Sarah (granddaughter), by his side.
Fred was happy right up to the end. What a great life he had!
Born in Bearcreek, MT, Fred graduated from Billings Senior High School, then went on to earn a mechanical engineering degree from Montana State University, (Go Cats), was a Sigma Nu, got commissioned as an Air Force 2nd Lieutenant, and married the love of his life Geraldine Day (Helena native) in 1958.
Fred served in the Air Force for 21 years, earned his Masters (Air Force Institute of Technology, Ohio) and Doctorate (University of Wyoming) in Mechanical Engineering. Fred retired from the AF in 1979, and happily moved his family back to Montana. Butte became home, and Fred worked for Montana Power Company in charge of Generation Systems Development until his retirement in 1995. Fred periodically taught upper-level engineering classes at Tech, was a member of Butte’s Rotary Club, Elks Club and the American Legion, and by default played a big role in the procurement/placement of the 10,000+ bricks at the Granite Mountain Memorial (he took good directions from Gerry, the memorial boss).
Fred and Gerry traveled the world (China, Alaska, Europe, S. Korea, England) and the states. They raised three kids, puts lots of miles on the family station wagon and did lots of camping in Herbie (the pop-up). Fred was an avid outdoorsman—hunting, fly fishing, rafting. He spent his life admiring the wonders of nature, and was a Boy Scout leader for several years while stationed in New Mexico. In his earlier years, Fred loved to play basketball, racquet and hand ball, and box.
Fred had a lovely voice and sang in many church choirs, the last being at St John’s Episcopal Church. He loved to read. (James Patterson and Readers Digest Condensed Books), was a GREAT dancer, liked gin, a good cigar and food. Fred thought his jokes, limericks, and “pull my finger” antics were hilarious! Hence his big loud laugh. Because of his “gas humor,” he amassed quite the trove of fart paraphernalia. Two favorites —Pull My Finger Freddy (doll) and Walter the Farting Dog (book). Fred also liked opening presents before Christmas and could be heard every holiday chanting, “one more present.”
Fred (and Gerry) supported the Motherlode Theater, the Butte Symphony, the Mai Wah, the World Museum of Mining, and St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Fred was a grandpa to three really smart, kind girls— Sarah (Floyd), Carley and Tatum (Trefts) and a great grandpa to Wesley (2.5 yrs) and Anya (3 months) Floyd.
Fred is survived by son Scott (Robin Walter—Colstrip), daughter Valerie (Tim, Carley, Tatum Trefts—Butte) granddaughter Sarah (Zach, Wesley, Anya Floyd—Butte), brother Bob (Carol Walter NV), brother-in-law George (Loretta Day—Helena), sister-in-law Charlotte LeVasseur (Helena), nephews Tom (Shanna Day—Bozeman), Mark (Nikki Day—Billings), Rob Walter (Utah), niece Kari Walter (NV).
In this world of mean — be a Fred Walter — be kind, laugh a lot (and loudly), love those around you and be in awe of God’s grace.
Services will be held Thursday, June 12, at 3 p.m. at St John’s Episcopal Church, 15 N Idaho St, Butte, MT 59701.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Fred and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Fred.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 P.M.
Thursday June 12, 2025
St. John's Episcopal Church
15 N Idaho St
Butte, Montna 59701
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 P.M.
Thursday June 12, 2025
St. John's Episcopal Church
15 N Idaho St
Butte, Montna 59701
Share
Sheryl Tremis says
Valerie, I’m so sorry to read of your Dad’s passing, now he is reunited with your Mom. I always enjoyed visiting with them wherever i ran into them. Saw them quite frequently at 3 Bears. My prayers to you and your family.
Sheryl Tremis
Stacey Corbitt says
Dear Val, Tim, and family,
My condolences on the loss of your dad. May you all find peace during this sad time.
Sylvia Marcum says
Dear Val and family, Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I think that he is glad to be in a better place with you your mother. They were wonderful neighbors and I loved your Dad’s laugh. Missed it so at the Mother Lode performances when he could no longer attend.
Peace be with you.
Regina Childs Kaupanger says
Dear Val and Family,
My sincere sympathy about the passing of your dad. May you be comforted by all of the happy memories of your dad at this time of loss.
I will keep you in my prayers.