Walter William Niehoff, 90, died on September 23, 2017. Walter was born in 1927, Opheim, Montana. He was the youngest of four children born to William and Mary Niehoff.
Walter graduated, 1944 in Opheim, MT. After graduation, he served honorably in the U.S. Navy. Upon leaving the military, he returned to the family farm in Glentana, MT.
Walter met the love of his life, Martha Marsh in Seattle, Washington, where they were married in 1952. They then resided on the family farm until 1960 at that time they moved to LA, California so Walter could attend electronic school. He then worked for several electronic businesses throughout the Northwest eventually settling in Helena in 1964 and starting Nico Electronics Systems in 1975.
Walter was an active member of St. Helena Cathedral, a member of the Knights of Columbus and Veterans of War. He was an expert wood worker who created fine furniture, toys and household items for his family members.
During their retirement, Walter and Martha traveled to Europe, South America, Costa Rica and the Caribbean. They took several cruises and traveled extensively throughout the United States. Some of their favorite destinations were New Orleans, Alaska and Hawaii. A highlight of his travels was a Safari Hunt in Africa with his son, Walt Jr.
Walter is preceded in death by: his wife, Martha; parents, William and Mary Niehoff; sisters, Julia, Esther and Leona; niece, Elaine and son-in-law, Ronan O’Donnell.
Walter is survived by his children: Margaret (Kenny) Pollington of Helena; Walt Jr. (Martha) Niehoff of Seattle, WA, Joan O’Donnell of Helena, Suzanne Blomquist of Spokane, WA, Bill (Debbie) Niehoff of Helena; niece, Kathleen (Ron/family) Hilbig; grandchildren, John O’Donnell, Amy Pollington, Nicole Blomquist, Rory O’Donnell, Dana Blomquist, Nick Pollington, Will Niehoff, Brianna Niehoff, and Libby Niehoff.
Walter was a man of character and compassion. He was a devoted husband and father to his wife of 56 years and his 5 children. His greatest joy of all was spending time with his family, especially at the family built cabin at McClellan Creek. He will be sadly missed by his family and those who knew him. Yet we are rejoicing, that he is with wife Martha dancing in the heavens.
A viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m., with a vigil service starting at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 28th, at Retz Funeral Home, 316 E. 6th Ave, Helena. A Funeral Mass will be 12:00 p.m. Friday, September 29th, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St, Helena, with a reception to follow in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. A burial with military honors will follow the reception at the Resurrection Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Montana Chapter, 3010 11th Ave, Billings, MT, 59101, on behalf of his wife Martha. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Walter.
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday September 28, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday September 28, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday September 29, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday September 29, 2017
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
2:30 p.m.
Friday September 29, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday September 28, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday September 28, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday September 29, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday September 29, 2017
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
2:30 p.m.
Friday September 29, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
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Michelle Van Nice says
So very sorry for your loss. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Terri Dood says
Thinking of you during this very difficult time.
Dean & Julie Holliday says
So sorry to hear of your loss. May your happy memories carry you through this difficult time. Sending your our best wishes.
Wendy Vick says
Walt was a joy. His cabin was near my home when I was growing up and I liked seeing him always with a smile and a wave, sometimes I would stop and hear a story of his! He will be missed.
Kurt Jenewein says
Sorry to see of your Dad’s passing Walt. Best to you and your family at such
a difficult time.
Jeri (Stoos) Domme says
I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. A remembrance of your Dad is him doing the North side collection plate @ the Cathedral. Always willing to help…..
Tom Juhl says
Walt sorry to read of your Dads passing, may he Rest In Peace……3
Leona Zaharko says
So very sorry to hear of Walt’s passing I got to know him at the retail store I work at and I will miss him a lot. Such a great guy with a great smile.
Lori Strachan says
Dear family my thoughts are with you. Walt was a wonderful patient of mine during the years at Claeys Dentistry. May I add so was Martha, such a lovely couple. He reminded me of my own father. So sweet and kind. Know my thoughts are with you and your family. God bless you .
Patti Stein says
Walt and Martha and family were very special friends to Roy and I. I am happy they are together again and Walt is not in pain any more. I love you all and my prayers are with you.
Shannon St. John Ackeret says
Dear Niehoff family,
I loved getting to know Walt during these past years. The coffee and visits he shared with dad and Frank meant so much to all of us. May you find peace in knowing that your dad made
my days a little brighter with his infectious smile and stories of up north.
Love,
Shannon St. John Ackeret
Rita and Mike Hughes says
To all my cousins,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing but I know that he is with your Mom again in heaven. I always remembered his wonderful smile and he was so friendly to all of us when we would arrive there for a visit. May God Bless all of you and comfort you at this difficult time.
Love,
your cousin, Rita Hughes
Jan (Sassano) Funston says
Walt, Bill and the Niehoff family…
Sorry to hear of your dads passing. What a blessing to have him in your lives for so long.
Ora and Linda Kjos says
We are very sorry for your loss. Best wishes to you and your family during this difficult time. Take care.
Dwight says
I just wanted to offer my condolences. I also have buried both of my parents. You look just like your dad. I want you to read an article about death. The name of the article is Door to Death by Nelson. It is a soothing article about death. I do hope all is well with you. I have not talked to you since we said hi at Home Depot. Take care.