Donald Floyd Schallenberger

Donald Floyd Schallenberger entered into eternal rest peacefully with his son Ed by his side on November 30TH 2016 after a battle with Parkinsons, complications from pneumonia, and kidney failure. Don spent his final days surrounded with love by numerous family members at Marcus Daly Hospice Center.

Don was born in Ekalaka, Montana on November 2nd 1928 to Floyd and Hazel Schallenberger. He has an older brother, Archie who lives in the Valley and a younger sister, Ila who passed away when she was seven years old. Ila’s passing was one of Don’s saddest memories.

Don’s family moved to the Bitterroot when he was young. While attending grade school in Charlos Heights he would walk three miles to school and back, a true sign of the times and proof of the personal strength he carried throughout his life.  In 1946 he graduated from Darby High School.

After graduation Don humbly served his country in the United States Navy.  While on Christmas leave in 1949 he married the love of his life, Louise Campbell, whom he had met while attending Darby High School.

He was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to Montana to raise a family and work in the sawmills. Don and Louise were blessed with three sons: Doug of Hamilton, Terry of Kennewick Washington, and Ed of Darby.  An excellent father, he was always there to help out his sons with go carts, hunting, carpenter skills, and projects at home.  He always owned a boat and enjoyed spending as much time as possible at Lake Como boating and water skiing with his family.

Don was very hardworking, honest, and always on time. In addition to working as the planer foreman at Flightners and Whaleswood for 21 years he was involved in many building projects at the mills, at home, and for his sons. Don finished his sawmill career at Stoltz Connor as head boiler man after an additional 15 years.

In retirement Don loved spending his time outdoors hunting, fishing, camping, and boating with his loved ones. Lovingly referred to as “Papa Don” by his grandchildren, he was an avid supporter of all activities they participated in. He was a real Darby Tigers fan for 70+ years.

Don was a quite gentle man, a good father, and loving husband who took care of his wife, Louise, right up until he could no longer walk.

Don is survived in life by his loving wife of 67 years, Louise; his older brother Archie; his sons, daughter in laws, and grandchildren: Doug and Lori (Dwain, Shonda, Lindsey, Jason); Terry and Nora (Mandy, Brandon, Tracy); Ed and Gina (Blade, Ryal, Mark, Travis, Kayla); and his 19 great grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Hazel and sister Ila.

Don had requested his grandchildren serve as Pallbearers. Pallbearers are, Dwain Schallenberger, Shonda Schallenberger, Ryal Schallenberger, Lindsey Wilkins, Kayla Schwarzkoph, and Jason Schallenberger. Honorary Pallbearers are, Mandy Jo Wood, Brandon Schallenberger, Blade Schallenberger, Tracie Calhoun, Mark Schallenberger, and Travis Schallenberger.

Visitation will be held Friday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton. 

Funeral service will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 at the Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Ln. Hamilton, MT at 11 a.m. with Pastor Vern Sandersfeld officiating.

Immediately following, internment will take place in Lone Pine Cemetery in Darby.

A luncheon reception will follow at the Grace Lutheran Church in Hamilton.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Grace Lutheran Church 275 Hattie Lane.  Hamilton, MT 59840