Harvey L. Walter, a longtime Forsyth-area farmer-rancher, passed to heaven on January 5. He was 86.
Harvey was born on September 10, 1933, on his grandparents’ farm west of Billings, the first of George and Rachel Walter’s six children. Harvey was baptized at the German Congregational Church, grew up on the family farm on Hesper Road, and attended Elder Grove school.
Harvey served in the U.S. Army 27th Infantry Division as a combat engineer beginning in 1954, stationed first in California and then Hawaii. Following his honorable discharge in 1956 he attended Eastern Montana College in Billings.
On November 30, 1958, Harvey married Hazel Peterson, a nurse he’d met on a blind date who became his loving wife and life partner for 61 years. Together they raised a family, built a successful farming business, and served as active leaders in their community in numerous capacities over the years.
They initially farmed west of Billings and near Custer. In 1965, Harvey and Hazel purchased a farm west of Forsyth on the banks of the Yellowstone River, where they grew sugar beets, corn, barley, and alfalfa. Over the next decades, they expanded the farm and also built and operated a large cattle feedlot. Harvey was a member of Great Western Sugar’s 10,000 Pound Club numerous years and a mentor to many young farmers in the valley.
Harvey was a past president and director of the Mid-Yellowstone Electric Cooperative for more than 35 years, active in Farm Bureau, a 4-H leader, a faithful member of the Federated Church, and previously served on the board of directors of First State Bank of Forsyth. In 1984 he and a group of investors formed Montpress, Inc., a publishing company that founded the Enterprise News and a year later purchased the Forsyth Independent and Rosebud County News in Colstrip. Harvey was an owner and chairman for 15 years until the two newspapers were sold to Star Printing of Miles City in 2000.
Harvey had a life-long love of fishing and was an avid runner for 20 years. He was devoted to his family and created many special memories over the years with his grandkids at the farm. Of all his accomplishments he was most proud of his family. He was also an inspiration – always an optimist, kind-hearted, courteous to everyone, a model of character and integrity, and the toughest person any of us knew. If there was a way to fix or achieve something, he would do it.
Harvey is survived by his wife, Hazel; four daughters: Tracy (Rick) Bendix, of Imperial, California, Kelly (Keith) Anderson, of Laurel, Lori (Jim) Tuell, of Billings, and Nikki Walter (David Fenner), of Metuchen, New Jersey; seven grandchildren: Jeff (Shaylee) Avants, Jake (Tori) Anderson, Jesse (Guillermo) Ortiz, Sarah (Ray) Arreola, Brittany Bendix, Madeleine Fenner, and Jackson Fenner; and two great-grandsons, Garrett Avants and Tre Ortiz. Also surviving him are sisters Geraldine (Herb) Mangis of Billings and Jeanette (Dan) Koch of Laurel, brother Melven Walter of Hardin, and numerous nephews, nieces, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, Darryl, his brother Delbert Walter, and sister Joanne Walter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Montana Rescue Mission, Rosebud-Treasure County 4-H, Federated Church of Forsyth, or the Salvation Army.
Family to receive friends will be on Friday, January 10, 2020 from 4-6 P.M. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 A.M. at the Federated church in Forsyth on Saturday, January 11, 2020. Graveside service with full military honors will follow at the Forsyth Cemetery. To leave condolences, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 10, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday January 11, 2020
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 10, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday January 11, 2020
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Share
David W Shreeve says
Kelly and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you with the loss of your father. He was an icon of the valley and such a wonderful, kind, and intelligent man. May your memories of him help you through this difficult time and in the future when you can smile when you think of him.
“May the Hope of the Future Make Your Present; Pleasant.”
Dave and Wendy
Kaylee Kleinsasser says
I am so sadden to see that Harvey has passed away. I always enjoyed visiting with Harvey and even receiving a hug or two from him. So kind and intelligent! I remember he gave me a home grown cantaloupe to enjoy and delivered it to the VA pharmacy in Miles City to me. It was the best I’ve ever eaten! I also recall him telling me about his wonderful trip through Yellowstone a few years ago with his family that he truly cherished. He will be missed! Condolences to all his family and friends.
Kaylee Kleinsasser
Joan Engle says
Hazel and Girls-
Robert and I were blessed with Harvey’s kind smile and words at church. I loved seeing him in his World’s Greatest Dad tshirt when we visited him in the hospital❤️ Heaven is an even better place with Harvey there. Take care
Connie Brown says
Hazel, Kelly, Traci, Lori and Nicki,
Condolences to your family as you say “see you later” to the most loved man in your lives. Harvey was a such a kind man always with a smile and a few words; whether in church, at the post office, in the cafe, wherever you were fortunate to see him. I remember one time when I went to South Carolina years ago to visit two of my daughters, and one of them spotted Harvey and Hazel in a restaurant when we had dinner; we found out they were there for a farm meeting; and of course we spoke a few words to each other. May God grant you peace and hold tight to the love and lasting memories life has given you!
Kent and Janet Heidt says
So sorry to hear about Harvey and the loss to Hazel and family. Lots of good memories hunting and visiting with Harvey. Thanks for your friendship and thanks for your service.
Mike and Lynn Blakesley says
Hazel, Kelly, Tracy, Lori and Nikki –
I was so sad to hear of Harvey’s passing. He was one of my favorite people to see walking in to Valley Auto – always so patient and pleasant to work with. And, Lynn and I have always enjoyed running into your folks and the Hollands in various restaurants in town and at the Roxy.
One instance we got out a kick out of — one time, as we were sitting down for a breakfast at Fitzgerald’s, Harvey and Hazel had finished theirs and were just getting up to leave… they stopped at about ten different tables (including ours) to visit on the way out. We were actually finished with our breakfast before they finally got out the door!
Anyway, cherish the memories and I hope you can find comfort in knowing that Harvey was one of the most liked and admired people in this area. He will surely be missed.
Sharon Wetsch says
Hazel and Family,
I am so sorry to hear that Harvey is gone. He was a wonderful person. Hold your memories close.. my sincere condolences..Hugs and prayers..
Sharon Wetsch
Louise Fenner and David Minckler says
Gosh Harvey was such a vibrant and wonderful man. We so enjoyed his stories and reminiscences. We were privileged to know Harvey through Nikki (who married my lucky brother Dave), and it was always fun to come and see Hazel and Harvey in Forsyth. We send our condolences and our love.
Louise and David
Tracie Jones says
Hazel and Family,
Paul Evan and I are truly at a loss of words and want you all to know that heaven has gained a very special angel. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bless all of you~
Paul Evan and Tracie Jones
John Youngberg says
Harvey was a true gentleman and farmer. His long leadership in Farm Bureau stands as an example to many. He will be missed.
The crew at the Montana Farm Bureau office.
Harriet Jansen says
Sorry to hear that Harvey has passed away. We will be unable to be with you but out thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this adjusting time. Harriet (Sleaford) & Veryl Jansen.
Ken Taylor says
Sorry to hear about Harvey, He was a good man and a good employer.
He was well known in Forsyth and a good friend and I enjoyed working for him.
De-De Fjelstad says
Sorry for your loss
Keever Dolechek says
Harvey was a true role model. He was a man that could be admired and looked up to. His approach to life will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Laura Kron Monasmith says
My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Nikki so sorry for the loss of your dad.
Dewey and Doris Anderson says
Hazel, Kelly, Lori, Nikki, Tracy, the spouses, the grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We extend our most sincere sympathy and condolences at this difficult time in your life’s. We too mourn Harvey’s death, and what a privilege it has been for us, to get to know him, have a relationship with him, as he became a part of our extended family, when Kelly married our son Keith. We have many wonderful memories of him, and it was always joyful to be in his presence. Harvey was a man of deep faith, who lived by the principles of God, and had a strong work ethic, who set high standards for himself, his farming operation, and in everything he did. He will be missed. Our prayers are with all of you. As a veteran, I am grateful for his service to our country. We were brothers in arms, and I give my final salute to him.
Kim & Nancy Nile says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hazel and all the family. We will all mourn the loss of such a kind, considerate and loving gentleman. He leaves us all with many happy memories. We are so very sorry to lose such a wonderful man!
Ralph Sutich says
To Hazel And Family I Wish You My Condolences At The Loss Of Harvey He Was A Gem And Will Be Missed He Always Called Me John At Church I Said No Harvey My Name Is Ralph Harvey Said You Look Like A John To Me I Will See You At The Funeral Tomorrow Hazel The Lord Bless You Always And Give You Strength Peace And Comfort All The Days Of Your Life To Hazel And Family I Am Going To Miss Harvey’s Pancakes On Easter Sunday Hazel
Terry Mahlum says
Walter family— My thoughts are with you all as you celebrate a such a special man’s life. Hazel,Tracy, Kelly, Lori and Nicki your husband and father was so much a part of my growing up years in the Howard Valley. Harvey was always such an encouraging voice when ever we visited. He always seemed interested in what was happening in my life even though it wasn’t that interesting! Harvey could always be counted on for great, interesting conversation. Tracy you and I spent so much time together in “the valley so blessed our families were as connected as they were! Harvey and Dad shared such history and many memories. I send my prayers for comfort to you and and the beautiful family that grew with both Hazel and Harvey. Terry (Steiger) Mahlum
JoAnna Kotar says
Hazel and family sorry for your loss. Harvey was one of a kind. I always enjoyed visiting with him usually at the Rosebud Treasure County Fair. A genuinely amazing man, a wealth of knowledge, I will miss conversations with him, his smile and his personality. His life touched many. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.
Don Walter says
My condolences to Hazel and family. Harvey was my cousin. We haven’t seen him much in recent years but have enjoyed visiting at Walter family reunions.
Toynette Rolston says
Harvey was that special person that doesn’t come along every day. I agree with the other people who wrote about him being: kind, a person who enjoyed people, a person you could count on and a person who gave a lot to family and community. He too left a large footprint in the sand of life.
Dee Batey says
Hazel and Family, So sorry to hear about your loss. Shelly and I send our prayers.
Teresa Fritzler says
Harvey was one of my favorite people and one of the best in the world. He was everything good and right. I liked him and enjoyed his voice and his smile and his humor and how he treated me and others. He tried hard. He cared. My dad, his cousin Dick, told me stories about when they were kids and they’d get out on the horses and ride for miles through the country. They’d pack a lunch and be gone all day. My dad told me he’d help Harvey and his family on their farm. They were very busy and worked hard. They welcomed my dad into their family and they meant a lot to him. One time when I was a kid and our family visited Harvey and Hazel and Tracy, Kelly, Lori and Nicki on their farm in Forsyth, Harvey asked me if I wanted to take one of his little ponies out in the fields to ride. I loved horses but didn’t have much experience with them. He had complete confidence in me and let me take that pony out for what seemed hours and made my dreams come true. I imagine he made many people’s dreams come true. I can’t imagine how much he’s missed by his family and friends.
The tribute on this page was beautiful and I also appreciated the thoughtful and well done video of him. I will revisit this page to remember him. And I will always speak of him with fondness and respect.