Elmer passed away on March 2, 2017 at Big Sky Center after a four year battle with kidney disease. He was born in Missoula on July 8, 1932 to Rudolph and Dorothy Hochhalter.
Elmer was raised in Missoula, lived in the Bitterroot Valley and later moved to Hamilton.
He served in the Army from April 12, 1951 through April 11, 1954 and again in September 28, 1954 through September 27, 1957.
His first job was at the Community Creamery in Missoula. He was a: football player, track star, logger, licensed boilermaker, maintenance engineer, baseball player, umpire and foster grandparent. He watched over community service personal and maintained the baseball field in Hamilton. His true love was the game of baseball and the Seattle Mariners.
Throughout his life he had many passions. His legacy will be his devotion and love raising his five children.
He was preceded in the death by: his parents; his sister Inez; his youngest son, Wade Hochhalter. He is survived by: his children, Debbie (Blaine), Rick (Shannon), David (Melody), Patty (Bob); grandchildren, Duane, Kali, Brittany, BreeAnna, Brooke, Shawna, Brandi, Savannah, Casey, Justin and Bobbie Jean; siblings, Harold, Willie (Joanie), Arlene, Lyle, Donna (Bob) and Lillian. He is also survived by numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held in August of 2018 with Elmer’s and Wade’s cremated remains being returned to the place they both loved so much in Hamilton. The service details will be announced at a later date. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Elmer.
Willard Hochhalter says
Dear Debbie, Ricky, David and Patty and families
We send our deepest condolences to you on the passing of your dad. It’s a sad time, but a time to look back on the good
memories that you have and the times you had with him.
I remember that Elmer taught me my first job at the Community Creamery…washing milk cans! He also taught me how to be a good baseball catcher. I never played a different position, always catcher. I had the best for a teacher.
We weren’t able to see him a lot because of living overseas, but it was always good to be with him and all you kids when we were home.
He loved you all deeply and was proud of you. We will miss him, but he will always be in our hearts.
May you have a peace and deep comfort knowing he’s with his Lord, Jesus Christ.
Love and hugs to you all, along with your families.
Uncle Willie & Aunt Joani
Patty Gigliotti says
I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with my father and siblings. To be able to share such fond memories of our childhood with dad was priceless.
We were so blessed to be loved so uncontionally by such an unselfish dad. To raise five children on his own, and never once hearing him complain. Although he is in a better place, he will be deeply missed. All my love, Patty
Debbie Welch says
Debbie Welch comments;
We as a family have been so blessed by such a wonderful role model in our lives.
I am so thankful for my life, but mainly for the past 3 1/2 years that dad was here in Helena. The memories of going to the Bitterroot Valley together to see family and friends, the many baseball games watched together, and the conversations together about life(staying strong, humbly keeping your head held high and remembering who we are).
The respect that was shown to dad at Big Sky Care Center, St. Peter’s hospital and the Dialysis Center and all the people involved with taking such good care of our dad. I am forever so grateful to all of you. He truly loved each and everyone of you.
I am very blessed to have such great siblings and a wonderful husband to be able to be together with dad until his passing. We as a family came together to endure this time in our lives, to support each other, to hold each other, to laugh and cry together.
Please remember each and every one in this family, was are promised through the Atonement of our Savior, that one day we all will be reunited as a family in Heaven
I will truly miss you dad, but I know that your are watching over us, every day you are with us in spirit and in our hearts. Thank you dad for your endless love and sacrifice on our behalf.
With all my love forever, Debbie & Blaine
Meggan says
I remember talking to Elmer about My younger Brothers (Casey Clark) Professional Rugby Career. Sadly he never got to meet him.
I also remember the first time he met Trinity. The chuckle he let out when she accidently called him “Elmo”. She called him Elmo from then on.
Sherrie Bertrand says
Sorry for your loss of your dad he was a very nice gentleman.prayers for you and your family in this time of loss
Doug Sinrud says
Wow, a name from the past. I am so sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. Elmer was one of my umpires in Hamilton for the Bitterroot Valley Babe Ruth Association and a friend while I was involved with baseball. His son Wade wad also a player in the league, a good one by the way and I was unaware of his passing. Prayers for the family & may their souls rest in peace.
LaDona Yerian says
My condolences to Elmer’s family. I have many memories working the Bitterrot Bucs baseball games with Elmer. He always had a smile and was a huge supporter of all athletics and athletes.
Faith Axtell Winkler says
I remember your family well when you were our neighbors in the 60’s. Debbie I remember your pony and all of us going riding with with my dog following my horse on a lead chain! My condolences on the loss of your dad.
Faith Axtell Winkler
Staci Hayes says
Sorry to hear of the passing of Elmer he was a gratious person he loved to watch any and all of the sportibg events in Hamilton I also had the pleasure of knowing him personally and seeing him do the foster grandparent program at Ravalli Head Start his family is in my thoughts and prayers