Walter Alfred Stepper 87, a much loved father, grandfather and great papa and friend joined his Savior and his wife in the early morning on December 11, 2015. Walter was born at the Stepper homestead north of Terry Montana to Robert and Emelie (Goetz) Stepper along with siblings Lillian and Leo. His mother passed when he was 4, but he would say he had the best mother he could ever have when his dad remarried Fredericka Gaub. The family grew as Delora, Ruth, Bernice, Evelyn, and Bob were born. He began his school years at the Becker school and then went to high school at Mobridge Lutheran Academy in South Dakota. Walter held many jobs over the years and was proud to say that he only asked for his first job to work at the Creamery in Terry for $.10 an hour. His last job as a custodian for the Terry Schools fit him to a “T”. He enjoyed working with the staff but loved the kids. He was known to come in early and leave late just so they could come into the school or gym for whatever they needed. He worked hard to maintain the buildings and grounds to showcase the community’s “Terrier Pride”. Walter loved to dance which is how he met his red head at the Powder River Club in Miles City, Betty Jean Lindquist. They continued to dance through their life together after they married in Terry on June 17, 1951 and made It their home. They were blessed with three daughters Lori, Lynette, and Lucinda. If there was one word that describes Walter, it would be Christian. As a baptized child of Christ, he let the love of his Savior shine in his thoughts, words and actions. Whether he was supporting his family, caring for his roses, mowing someone’s lawn or shoveling their walk, giving a tour of the museum, sharing his tomatoes, cheering at a sporting events, plays or concerts, etc., he let his Christ light shine. He never knew a stranger and loved to visit and tell stories, usually boasting about his children and grandchildren and his great-granddaughter. He was a great supporter of the community he loved. Whether it was his church, Trinity Lutheran, or other organizations, he volunteered, for he always gave a helping hand. He taught Sunday School and hunters safety, was a Terry Booster, a board member of the Prairie County Museum, the Cameron Gallery and many more. Though Walter and Betty spent the last 3 years of their life in Billings due to his health, he always considered Terry his home. Walter was preceded in death by his wife Betty in July. He is survived by his daughters, Lori Stepper, Lynette Scott (Randy), and Lucinda Loran (Keith), all of Billings, and his grandchildren, Shad, Kayla, Shann (Jessica), Devin (Andrea) Scott and Nicole, Brandon (Shayna), and Blake Loran. He felt blessed that he was able to see and hold his great-granddaughter Charlotte (Shann and Jessica). “She’s quite a girl”. Walter and Betty spent their last years of their life together at Vista at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Billings. The family felt blessed and would like to thank the Vista community and staff for the love and care they shared with them. Walter would say, “This is a good place to be, they take good care of you here.” Thanks also to Pastor Jay Bickelhaupt for serving Dad spiritually. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in memory of Walter, the family requests you consider Trinity Lutheran Church, Prairie County Museum, or Cameron Gallery in Terry or Apostles Lutheran Church or Vista in Billings. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 18, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home in Terry, MT. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Terry High School Gymnasium in Terry, MT. Interment will follow at the Prairie County Cemetery. Following the graveside service a luncheon will be held at the Legion Hall in Terry. Should friends desire condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 18, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday December 19, 2015
Terry High School Gymnasium
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 18, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday December 19, 2015
Terry High School Gymnasium
Terry, Montana 59349
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Darlene L. Strobel says
My love and prayers to each of you. Remember how much he loved you and what a great life he lived. We shared many good times and laugh over the last 45 years! I share your sorrow and your memories.
Lynette Tague says
Walter was one of the kindest, hardest working men in Terry. His presence has been missed, but we have very fond memories of his many contributions. Our sympathies to his beloved giris and their families.
Del Siegle says
I have fond memories of good times with you and your parents. You are in our thoughts.
Del, Betsy, Jessica, and Del
Walt and Linda Koehler says
Dear Lori, Lynette and Lucinda (and families)… We are so sad. Words convey soooo little when hearts feel so much. Your family has meant so much to our family for many many years. Sending lots of hugs and prayers…
Kim Heinz says
Walter was a wonderful man, husband, father, and Godfather. Betty and Walter inspired me while growing up, but even more so as an adult. I will always remember their love, support, dedication to their Grandkids- always loved to see how proud they were of them all. Walter and Betty loved to dance, and I’m sure they are having a grand time dancing in God’s presence right now. RIP Walter, you were so loved. Prayers for all.
Janet Buraas Klein says
I cannot let this time go by without letting the family of Walt know how much he meant to me. He was a man that was always trying to please and do his best and the best is what he did!! Whenever I needed anything while teaching at Terry, Walt was the first one to want to help. When we remodeled the Home Ec room, Walt was the one to go to get things done. He will be missed greatly by family and community, but the memories will sustain you and know that others will miss him as well….he was one of a kind!! By the way, he loved all the ‘leftovers’ that were in the fridge and he helped himself…sometimes not knowing that it was not to eaten and really was not a ‘leftover….bless his heart, he just liked to eat and no one could be upset about that!! Rest in Peace dear Walt and may you dance with your sweetheart once again! You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Janel Larson says
As a former student of Terry Schools I will always remember Walt as one of the most genuine and nicest people I have met.
Prayers for you all during this time. I am sure Walt and Betty are kicking up their heels now!
Lance & Lisa Kalfell and family says
Sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Delite Dukart says
Walter was a very special person. An “Energizer Bunny” if there ever was. I remember when I was a junior in high school and the Letterman’s club put on a alumni tournament. All the administrators and most the teachers were gone and Walt & I ran the tournament from sweeping floors to popping popcorn. What an awesome fellow.
Jeanette Gaub O'Dea says
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Growing up I enjoyed time with Walter and Betty Our family went to their home a lot for Sunday visits and were always made so welcome. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Nancy Thomas, LPN at The Vista says
Lori, Lynette and Lucinda,
Your Dad was one of the nicest men and will be missed a lot! He loved people, was very grateful for everything and always had a smile on his face. He truly did let Christ shine through him. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to have known him, your Mom and also all of you girls while at The Vista.You all are very special to us and you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Stephanie Kaul says
Lori, Lynette, Lucinda & extended Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Walter always had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, a helping hand ready and many words of wisdom ready to share. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ken and Ida Lacquement says
Knowing Walter is again joined with Betty and their Beloved Savior makes the loss so much easier. God Bless the family left behind but know you will all be reunited in a special place when you also are called Home. Walt and Betty left an empty place in the hearts of Terry and will be truly missed.