Wallace “Wally” Broeder, age 69, of Glendive passed away on Friday, May 27, 2016, losing a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor Will Johnson and Reverend Avis Anderson officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at 4:00 p.m. in Dawson County Cemetery. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Wally was born on April 4, 1947, to Walter and Esther (Nygaard) Broeder in Minot, N.D. He moved to Glendive at an early age where he attended elementary and high school. He participated in many sports during his high school years and especially enjoyed Legion Baseball. Wally attended Montana State University and during a break in school was drafted into the United States Army and served in the 41st Artillery Unit in Germany. He ended his duty as a SP5 and always felt lucky that he served his two-year deployment in Germany rather than Vietnam.
In 1968 Wally married Bonnie Feisthamel and they were together for 48 years. They had two children, Wes who was born in Germany and Becky who was born in Bozeman, where they lived while Wally attended MSU after the service. He later attended North Dakota State School of Science, where he received his heating/air conditioning and electrical certificates.
He had a strong work ethic and he and his brother Warren owned and operated Walt’s Electric for 40 years until they closed their business in 2014.
He was a member of the Glendive Fire Department for over 30 years and was an EMT and a member of the Glendive Ambulance Department for over 40 years, 30 of those being the ambulance director. He felt very privileged that he had a part in getting the ambulance facility built. He was also very proud of the EMT’s and staff of the ambulance department.
Wally loved going elk hunting in Western Montana in the fall, and since the 70’s he went many times. His hunting buddy and good friend, Fred Scott, was always a partner in crime and good friend, Phil Auble often joined them, along with others over the years. They seldom got their elk but always had a good time.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Esther.
Wally is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Bonnie of Glendive; his children, Wes (Johnlyn) of Spearfish, S.D. and Becky (Will) of Missoula; his two grandchildren, whom he loved more than anything, MacKenna and Logan Broeder. He is also survived by his brothers, Warren (Kathy) and Allan (Judy); and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in Missoula, GMC Hospice or to the charity of one’s choice.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.