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Walter Herbert Rufenach
Walter Herbert
Rufenach
Walter Herbert Rufenach, age 89, passed away at his home in Columbia Falls on Feb. 5, 2019. He was born on Dec. 24, 1929, to Amelia and Waldemar Rufenach in Kalispell.
Walter started his work at F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber when he was 16 years old. He interrupted his work career for a two year stint in the Army. He served as a tank instructor in Germany. Upon his return he again worked at Stoltze. After there he began working at Plum Creek Lumber where he retired after 27 years. In 1955 he married Mavis Hill, in that union three children were born. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls for over 50 years. He faithfully maintained the church grounds and enjoyed doing anything to enhance the church property. Dad loved going to auctions, always attending all that he could. He was an avid recycler (Dumpster Diver) finding broken equipment, fixing it, and reselling it. His yard and garage were his pride and joy, and he spent many hours working in both always making yearly improvements. In the winter he loved plowing. He loved tools and the happiest we ever saw him was when a Harbor Freight was opened in Kalispell. We laughingly say he was their first customer.
Walter is preceded in death by his parents Amelia and Waldemar, brothers, Richard and Alfred, sisters, Lydia Bartz and Elise Bruyer.
He is survived by his children, Kenneth (Francis) Rufenach, Kristal Rufenach, and Kathie Bianchi; grandchildren, Ken Rufenach, Christopher Rufenach (Krista), Cassadie Little Eagle (Dan), Chauncey Hill, and Randi Rufenach (Jason); step grandchildren, Moriah, Miranda, Nathanial; 20 great grandchildren; sister, Lillian Case; sister-in-law, Alice Rufenach and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Walter was Feb. 12, 2019 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls. Urn burial will take place later this spring with military honors. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls in caring for Walter’s family.