Susan Miller

Flahiff Funeral Chapels & Crematory-Caldwell

Dr. Gary Frederick Walter, MD passed peacefully into eternal life at home surrounded by his children and loving wife, Marlis, on Tuesday, November 13th, 2018 after a 16-year battle with cancer. In his final week on this earth he shared his heart with his gathered family and told them they were his greatest treasure in life and that he felt like the richest man in the world. He shared that he was trusting in the saving grace of Jesus Christ and was ready to experience the resurrection of life as he journeyed from this world into God’s presence.   Dr. Gary Walter was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 11, 1949, to Frederick R. Walter and Olga J. Jurkas. Gary was raised in Lansing, IL and graduated from Thornton Fractional South HS in 1967. He began his college education at Purdue University, pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. He then had a change of heart and ended up graduating from Wittenberg University with a BA in Psychology in 1971. Gary pursued post graduate training at the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana where he received a MS in Psychology and completed all but his thesis for a PhD in Developmental Psychology with a focus on Psychophysiology and Memory Development in 1975. Gary then felt called to pursue a medical degree and entered the University of Illinois and completed an M. D. at the Abraham Lincoln School of Medicine in Chicago in 1979. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in 1983. Gary was elected a Fellow of the American College of Physicians in 1994. He traveled abroad to Greece, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Germany, England, Israel, and spent time working in Swaziland at the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital.   Gary met his wife Marlis, a nurse, in Milwaukee and they married on June 19th, 1982. Desiring to practice medicine in an area closer to the wilderness, Gary and Marlis chose their favorite backpacking state and Gary began his practice at Missoula General Hospital in 1983 and later joined the Western Montana Clinic in 1987. Gary and Marlis welcomed their first child in 1985, a girl. Before they knew it, they had five kids and were spending many summers camping. Gary was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and continued working full time for a year. In 2003 Gary resigned from his practice due to his cancer and was sorely missed by his many patients and the staff at the Western Montana Clinic.  Gary served for many years as a member and later the Chairman of the School Board at Valley Christian School. He also served as an elder at Missoula Alliance Church from 2005-2018. Gary and Marlis’ joint ministry focused on mentoring couples to strengthen marriages. They enjoyed many years teaching marriage classes and directing an annual Marriage Encounter weekend for 7 years. Much of Gary’s ministry over the years was mentoring men in their spiritual journey. He loved meeting with people one-on-one to delve into theology and discuss deep spiritual questions. By writing about his cancer journey on his Caring Bridge blog, he provided encouragement to many people, particularly those who were suffering from cancer. In the last few years, Gary took up the ancient art of hand-written letters. He wrote numerous letters of encouragement and guidance to family and friends. Over the years he spoke publicly in many settings; he was a commencement speaker at several graduations, he preached at church, he officiated his daughter’s wedding. He performed funerals for friends.  Gary was a man of many talents. He had a deep love for the Montana wilderness and backpacking. He conquered Mount Rainier in 1993 and countless backcountry backpacking treks in Glacier and the Bob Marshall. His interests include listening to ancient music, fly fishing, woodworking, fountain pens and hand- written letters, encouraging his children in each of their musical endeavors and personally learning to play the cello. His woodworking projects included a clock for each of his children, a treehouse for his son David, and a harp for his daughter Elizabeth. Gary dreamed of becoming a pilot and took private flying lessons. His family was nourished by the many fruits and vegetables that he grew in his garden and the delicious, gourmet meals he prepared.  He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Marlis; their five children and spouses, Elizabeth (Bryce) Fogelson, Katherine (Daniel) Ray, Sarah (Kyle) Langley, David Frederick Walter, Anna (Kyler) Grussling; and grandbaby Amelia Fogelson. He is also survived by his sister Gail Abbott and nephew Paul of Coeur D’Alene, ID, loving cousins, step siblings and extended family.  Gary’s love of the outdoors and God’s creation was only rivaled by his love for God and family. Gary will be remembered as a loving husband and “Papa,” caring physician, spiritual mentor, selfless servant, and man of God.  Close friend Jeff Valentine will officiate a celebration of Gary’s life at Missoula Alliance Church on Saturday, November 17th, 10am. Reception and luncheon will follow. The family suggests memorials to Valley Christian School Scholarship Fund or Missoula Alliance Church Mission Fund.

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Dr Gary Walter MD Obituary | Just Cremation