Geraldine Walter, the lady behind the Granite Mountain Memorial, passed away at home with her husband of 67 years, Fred, son Scott and daughter Valerie by her side. Oh, what a wonderful 87 years of life Gerry had. Born and raised in Helena, a 1956 Helena High School graduate, Gerry met Fred at Montana State University. After getting married in 1958, Fred (an Air Force officer) and Gerry began their life in England where their son, Scott, was born. After 21 years of military moves and the birth of their two daughters Shelly (Moen passed 2017) and Valerie (Trefts), Gerry and Fred to moved Butte in 1979.
Gerry created a wonderful, supportive home for Fred and her children as a stay-at-home mom, decorating for every holiday, no matter how small. Her “professional” part of life started in her late 40s. Thankfully she ignored a Montana Tech professor who told her she was “too old” to be taking classes and entering the workforce. She showed him.
In 1991, as a VISTA Volunteer, Gerry embarked on a 32-year journey of researching, envisioning, then developing the Granite Mountain Memorial. Involved in every aspect of this large project, she personally oversaw the selling and placement of more than 10,000 memorial bricks. Her passion and research for Butte’s mining and smelting past also led to the historical display at the Anselmo Mine Yard and Butte’s nomination as a Labor History Landmark District. At 85 she retired from her “volunteer” position.
Gerry was a Weight Watchers leader and district manager for many years. She was a Butte Chamber of Commerce board member for 8 years and The World Mining Museum director from 1997-2000. Gerry was thrilled when she was selected to be the 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal in 2001, she loved that.
An avid reader (A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Little Women), Gerry was a member of the Homer Book Club and the PEO Sisterhood Chapter G. From Ohio, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah, Florida, Alaska to Europe, China, S. Korea and a lot of places in-between, Gerry (and Fred) traveled around. However, Gerry was a hard “no” to going hunting with Fred, and attributes that as a key to their long, beautiful marriage.
Gerry was a grandma to three really smart girls— Sarah (Floyd), Carley and Tatum (Trefts) and a great grandma to Wesley (2 yrs) and Anya (3 weeks) Floyd.
Gerry was a sharp-dressed gal, a great dancer (with Fred), and a big supporter of the Mother Lode Theater and the Butte Symphony. Not a fan of soup or pasties, she did love spaghetti shrimp cocktail, popcorn, chocolate and caramels. Auntie Mame, Mary Poppins, On Golden Pond and The Lion King (Broadway) were definitely some of her favorites.
Gerry is survived by her husband, Fred; son, Scott (Robin—Colstrip); daughter, Valerie (Tim, Carley, Tatum Trefts—Butte); Grand daughter, Sarah (Zach, Wesley, Anya Floyd—Butte); brother, George (Loretta Day—Helena); sister, Charlotte LeVasseur (Helena); nephews, Tom (Shanna Day—Bozeman); Mark (Nikki Day—Billings).
Gerry loved life and was kind. She left Butte a better place. Goooo Bobcats!!
An informal farewell for Gerry will be held at the Granite Mountain Memorial Saturday (April 5) at 2 p.m. A reception will follow at the St. John’s Episcopal Parish Hall.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Gerry and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Gerry.
Shelly Clark says
Gerry, You are Home safe now. We will miss your kind words and smiles as one of our favorite neighbors. Shelly is there to greet you in Heaven! Love and peace to your family…. KC and Shelly Clark
Annette Satterly says
It was a pleasure to work with Gerry many years ago at the World Museum of Mining sorting history memorabilia. Then I was happy to speak with her whenever I ordered a brick for the Granite Mountain Memorial. Her hard work and dedication will be missed. Annette Satterly
Rena & Jeb Reilly says
Gerry, what a wonderful , beautiful Christian lady. You were always so personable and kind. I will look forward to seeing you again with your beautiful smile and warm touxh. Rest in Peace dear friend.
Rob Wilson says
To Fred, Scott, and Valerie: my sincere condolences during this difficult time. Gerry was truly one-of-a-kind! Loosing someone we love is so difficult, as you well know with the loss of dear Shelly…but I find comfort in knowing they are united together again. Gerry was one of the most authentic people I ever met, and she could brighten any room with her smile. She was fiercely loyal and passionate about her family. The world is going to be a less joyful place without her.
Jeanne Bayless says
I was privledged to travel to China with Gerry, Fred, and Valerie and what a grand time we had.
Gerry was a very authentic , loving woman who was dedicated to her family and what a great bunch of folks she raised!!
You will be sorely missed Gerry . You had a life well lived!!! Great job steadfast and faithful servant!!!!
Bob Braun says
Bob has fond memories of of times shared with Gerry in Student Council activities and sharing leadership in the United Christian Youth Movement.
Gerry and Linda’s friendship started in their Girl Scout troop with Gerry’s mother heading up the troop. They later were camp counselors and their friendship grew as they bonded with ten other girls in high school.