J. Walter Mitchell

J. Walter Walt Mitchell, 83, of Great Falls, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Great Falls Clinic Hospital.A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at Sunrise Presbyterian Church. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.Walter was born to James and Esther Mitchell in Belfry, Montana on July 13, 1933 where he attended school, graduating in 1951. He married Lois Preble on August 29, 1952.He and Lois lived in Billings where he worked and attended Rocky Mountain College. Moving to Missoula in 1954, he worked in parts and sales. He was then transferred to Great Falls in 1955. Walt, Lois, and family moved to Kalispell in 1969, where they lived and worked before returning to Great Falls in 1976.Walt was a life member and Past Master of the Triangle Masonic Lodge #154, Past Worthy Patron of Helen C. Roberts Chapter #71, Order of the Eastern Star, and served on the Board of Deacons of Sunrise Presbyterian Church. He truly enjoyed playing games with his children and grandchildren every chance he could.He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lois; children Linda (Brian), Lyle (Lynne), Gary (Janice), and Brian (Karlene); sister Marion; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Esther Mitchell and brother Charles.