Walter S. Grubic

STEVENSVILLE – Walter S. Grubic, 91, of Stevensville passed away peacefully Saturday, April 20 at his home surrounded by family.  He was born November 27, 1927 in Ely, Nevada, the son of Samuel and Mara Grubic.

Walt grew up in the mining community of Ruth, Nevada.  He was the youngest of 13 children - 9 boys and 4 girls.  And, the only one born in a hospital.  Walt, through his journals, shared many memories of his youth - events that would be in great contrast to our lives of today.

After high school, Walt served in the Army, stationed stateside, since he had six older brothers actively serving in WWII overseas.  After his discharge, he attended Utah State University and graduated with a degree in Landscape Architecture.  He was employed by the Forest Service as a Land Use Planner.  It was in Jackson Hole, Wyoming where he met his future wife, Diane Waldo, who also worked for the Forest Service.  They married on October 9, 1976.

Walt’s and Diane’s careers took them to a number of great work locations in the Intermountain West.  Walt retired from the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Salt Lake City, in 1985.  After Diane’s retirement in 2000, from the Gallatin National Forest, they moved to Phoenix.  In 2012, they decided to move “home” to Montana, to the country they both loved. 

Walt is survived by his wife, Diane of Stevensville; his two stepsons – Brian (Misti) Nettleton of Helena and Ron (Leisa) Nettleton of Phoenix; 10 wonderful grandchildren: Diana, Nicole, Lisa-Marie, Michael, Miya, Sydney, Madison, John, Nick, and Josh; and his sister-in-law, Dotty Kostecki. 

Our family would like to extend our deep appreciation to Dr. Sheehan, and staff, and Marcus-Daly Hospice for their loving care of Walt. 

Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 4, 1:00 pm at Garden City Church, 1100 S. Higgins Avenue in Missoula.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Marcus-Daly Hospice, 1200 Westwood Dr., Hamilton, MT 59840.

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