Wally was born on Nov. 27, 1940 in Blue Island, Illinois to Walter and Irma Jankowski and into the loving arms of an extended family of brother (Bill), sister (Laurel), grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He grew up in Blue Island loving school, sports, church and rock ‘n’ roll. After graduating from high school as valedictorian, he attended the University of Chicago. Wally did his graduate work at the University of Michigan where he met and married his wife Sandra Haltom. They excitedly moved to Helena, Montana where he accepted an interim position teaching chemistry at Carroll College. Wally then spent a few years directing the Montana water quality lab. He then did the same for the state of Minnesota while earning a degree in computer science with the goal of returning to Helena as soon as possible. Upon returning to Helena, he worked as an analyst for the state of Montana and then for BDM (which ultimately became a part of Northrop Grumman) until he retired in 2006.
After coming to Helena, Wally’s heart found its earthly home among the mountains and with his exceptional coworkers and their families. Many wonderful times were spent with Sandy, their three amazing children (Mark, Lisa and Daniel) and friends hiking, camping, and exploring the wilderness. Some of his fondest memories were from trips traveling with the children to cross country ski races around Montana in the family’s trusty Scout. His children and grandchildren were the true lights of his life. Sunday mornings found him at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church where he loved the inspiring sermons, the glorious choir and the welcoming congregational family.
Wally passed away in St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT at 3:40 p.m. on January 28, 2014 at the age of 73 after a brave battle with cancer. He appreciated the many cards, visits from both old and new friends, and the exceptional care given to him by the hospital staff. He especially enjoyed a mini-reunion and time spent reminiscing last fall with his brother Bill, sister Laurel and husband Joe, and cousin Janet Koca and husband Bob. During his illness, he was able to spend many beautiful hours becoming closer to his daughter Lisa and two sons Mark and Dan. He was incredibly grateful for their many hours of loving attention. What would really light up his face was the voice of a grandchild at his bedside! His dog and companion, Sundance, never left his side when he was able to be at home.
Wally was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and several cousins. Wally is survived by his wife Sandra, daughter Lisa, and sons Mark and Daniel (Beth), grandchildren Mykaela Edwards, Darian Anderson, Reid, Brynn and Christian Jankowski and beloved mother-in-law Alberta Haltom. Also surviving are devoted sister Laurel Kaiser (Joe) and brother William Jankowski (Deborah). He is survived by nephews William Jankowski (Melissa) of Mystic,CT; Matthew Jankowski (Carrie) of Norman, OK; Steven Grimes (Carri) of Atlanta, GA; and Scott Grimes of Braceville, IL. and by aunt Irene Jankowski of Atlanta, GA.
A private burial will take place at Forestvale Cemetery on Monday, February 3, 2014. A memorial service, celebrating Walter’s life, will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 3, 2014 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan Street. A reception will follow in the social center of the church. Memorial donations in Wally’s name are suggested to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church building fund, 512 Logan Street, Helena, MT 59601, Intermountain Children’s Home, 3240 Dredge Dr. Helena, MT 59602, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 3, 2014
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Monday February 3, 2014
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
,
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 3, 2014
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Monday February 3, 2014
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
,
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Rita McNees says
Sandy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Cherish the memories. When you look up at the sky during the night Wally is one of those stars that’s shining down toward you. He’s in a better place than we are and in no pain. If you need anything please let me know.
Angie McDunn says
Dan, Beth, Sandy and the rest of the family – So sorry for your loss! Wally was a wonderful person! I enjoyed hearing his stories of all the trips he took. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless.
Bonnie Barnard and Daryl Cain says
Sandy,
So sorry to hear about Wally’s passing. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Ashby Jones says
Sandy and Dan, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. I’m sure this is a hard time for you. We have great memories of Wally and I know many will miss him. God bless you, Ashby and Ci Jones
Nora and Tom Bazuin says
We are so sorry to hear of Wally’s passing. Wally was one of the good guys and I loved hearing about his trips and he could always make me laugh. Sending our thoughts and prayers to you all. God Bless!
Dan Olson says
Sandy, Dan and family, my thoughts and my deepest sympathy is with you in this difficult time. Many fond memories hanging around with your family.
Kay and Jere Hoy says
So sorry to hear of Wally’s passing. Jankowski family was such a big part of our family’s life for many years. Wally’s jokes and stories always brings smiles to all of us.
Hugh McWhorter says
In late summer 1978 we were settling into our new house. A dump truck had just left a pile of top soil in our front yard. I’m out in the yard with a shovel working on spreading a pile that looked to me to be about 1,000 ft. high. Totally unsolicited Wally shows up with a wheel barrow and shovel and the relationship starts.
There was a time when I was impressed with people who knew how to turn on computers. An excellent instructor Wally got me past that barrier. For a number of years we would have an install the software party and Wally would not accept compensation for some excellent services rendered. What can I do in return? This gave rise to an annual summer keno outing (I pay if we lose–if Wally wins he buys lunch and keeps the excess). Whether the numbers played were my tax i.d. # or his license plate It was just basic fun. To complete the off the books compensation there was the annual super bowl party where what we enjoyed the most were the commercials. This man had an absolutely delightful sense of humor that will be sorely missed by this neighbor. I know it was good because I can still conjure up a vision of our respective wives rolling their eyes up in their head. Excellent neighbor, first class instructor that was quite patient with my technological shortcomings and a down right fun person to be with. Sandy, Mark, Lisa, Dan I share in your sense of loss.
Hugh
Eric McWhorter says
The only time I ever spent with Wally was during the annual superbowl party. Wally broke the ice and set a tradition for the the event the first year with a spin on the I think it was DA Davison commercials. Maybe you remember the commercial “we built our company one customer at a time.” Wally changed that to “one sucker at a time” and it stuck. I still remember that joke every year. I’m sure we’ll still have fun at the party without him, just not quite as much.
Kathleen Broussard says
Dan and family. We are so sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard.
Laurie and Dennis Wiedmann says
Dear Sandy,
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember the many years ago we first met when we came to Carroll and a gracious invitation to your home. We keep you and your family in our hearts and daily prayers.
Sincerely,
Laurie and Dennis Wiedmann
Colleen Llewellyn says
I feel very fortunate to have known such a fine gentleman as Wally. Everytime I saw him he greeted me with that wonderful smile and we always had the best visit. My thoughts and prayers to his family at your loss. I am sure all the angels in heaven are rejoicing. Their computers are working, they get the benefit of his tales and now they get the ADIT.
Caroline McWhorter says
Wally was my buddy. He always came for the Super Bowl party. He would knock on the door. I would answer it because I knew it was him. He would smile when he saw me.
Mary McWhorter says
I look out the back window and see the hills behind our homes. I will always see Wally there. He loved it so much and could be seen spending countless hours tending the natural grasses. He knew every plant, could discourse on each one, and always in such a loving & knowledgable way. He clearly appreciated every creature of nature, both flora and fauna.
His voice was so distinctive. I will always be able to conjure it up in my thoughts. You could “hear” his smile in his spoken word. But it is the smile I will remember the most. So gentle, so pure. Wally, it won’t be the same world without you. I will never forget.
Linda Chapman says
Sandy,
I was sorry to read of Wally’s death. Take care of yourself and know my thoughts are with you.
I first met Wally when I took his physical chemistry class at Carroll my senior year. It was the first class I ever took that required me to think rather than memorize. Physical chemistry has thousands of formulas. When the first test was pending, all of the students started memorizing formulas. Wally told us he would give us all the formulas we needed, we just had to know how to use them. We continued memorizing. The day of the test came, and there was a list of formulas. It was still the hardest test I ever took, but it was an eye-opening class.
Jill Collins Padbury says
Sandy and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. The Collins’ enjoyed having you and Wally as our neighbors on Fairway Drive! It is hard to believe how long ago that was! It was a pleasure to babysit for you and to watch your family grow. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Kelly Ferriter says
Dan and family,
I’m sorry for your loss. Some people leave a lasting impression and your dad was one of those people for me. I still remember his contagious smile and how much fun we had on our baseball trips. I never forget our trip to Washington and how excited he was to have the “curl” back in his hair from the humidity in the air.
Mary Reynolds says
Jankowski family – I was so sorry to hear of Wally’s passing. He was a wonderful person who was always so nice to everyone. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you – God Bless.
jim jawor says
i have many fond high school memories of wally and the “grendels”, our senior year political party, which ran for class office. he certainly made the years 1954- 1958 very entertaining.
Diane Joss Mehok says
Everyone who went to school with Wally in Blue Island, IL. will remember him fondly. He was so smart and always was smiling. I think his biggest fan was his dad – especially way back in the years of Little League and Pony League games when Wally pitched – I can still see his father standing up in the stands at Hart Park yelling “burn ‘um in there Wally!” Walter was a very unique person in many ways who loved his family dearly – they were his favorite topic of conversation. He and his wife attended our 50th high school class reunion in 2008 and we’re happy we got to enjoy those days with him, one last time.
Taylor Bell says
Wally always was the brightest bulb in the room, the smartest person, the valedictorian of Blue Island’s class of 1958. But he never let you know it. He loved baseball, especially the Detroit Tigers. We knew each other from the time we were 10 years old. We played pitch ‘n catch together. He was the left-handed pitcher, I was the catcher. We played Little League and Pony League on opposing teams. In high school, after watching football and basketball games, our group, the Grendels, a singing group that wasn’t as good as the Kingston Trio, gathered at one of our houses to play poker. Wally, me, Jim Jawor, Bill Lussenhop and Dennis Bober. We played for pennies. Our moms would make sloppy joes. Then Wally headed for the University of Chicago and Montana. We got together for our class’ 50th reunion in 2008 and for a trip to the Lincoln Library in Springfield. I always regretted that we weren’t able to complete plans for a trip to Helena. I’ll miss his smile and his competitive spirit and his drive for excellence. I wish we could spend one more day playing baseball.