Cherishing the Memory of
Walter Deege
May 19, 1937 – April 12, 2026
Holland, 1937 – Scheveningen
Walter was born in the small fishing village of Scheveningen in the Netherlands. His Christian family consisted of his mother, father, one brother, and later a younger sister. His father was a bookbinder by trade and worked for the Dutch government in the prison system, teaching the art of bookbinding to prisoners.
Life was peaceful until May 10, 1940, when the Germans invaded Holland. At first, the main impact on Walter’s family was the growing shortage of food. In 1943, however, things drastically changed. Walter’s family was forced to move to northern Holland because the Germans needed their town to build large quantities of missiles to launch into England.
In their new town, unbeknownst to Walter and his family, his father joined the Dutch underground while continuing his work binding books in the prisons. After helping free several Jewish prisoners, Walter’s father was arrested as an accomplice in the raid and sent to a German concentration camp. Walter, his mother, and his brother struggled to survive on their own without him.
Walter’s father never made it out of the concentration camp. He became gravely ill and was eventually executed by the Germans shortly before the war ended. For many years after the war, Walter’s family continued to experience shortages of food and other basic necessities while waiting for a visa to come to America.
Two years later, at the age of 18, his family’s dream finally came true—America. Walter carried these wartime experiences with him throughout his life.
America, 1955 – California
Walter and his family moved to California to reunite with Walter’s movie star uncle. There they began living the American dream—working, eating well, dancing, dating, and enjoying the opportunities of a new life. Walter had a deep appreciation for the freedoms America offered.
Walter attended college and earned degrees in finance, law, and engineering. After completing his education, he joined the United States Army Reserve. Walter served his new country with pride, patriotism, and deep gratitude.
Eventually, he moved to Washington State, where he lived on a farm, raised a family, owned his own business, and spent many happy hours fishing, boating and traveling.
America, 2014 – Montana
After becoming widowed, Walter’s daughter put him on the internet, much to his dismay. However, everything changed when he saw a photo of a lady wearing sunglasses and a hat, standing in a river with a fishing pole. A big smile came across his face, and he told his daughter, “I need to meet that lady.”
He traveled to Helena, Montana, where they met at a Starbucks. That lady turned out to be Paula—his angel, love, and partner for the next twelve years.
Together they traveled the world, built new friendships, enjoyed many outdoor adventures, and became an active part of the Helena community. Walter was known for his Holocaust presentation titled Journey of Hope, which he shared at churches, schools, and community gatherings. He also became well known in the local bridge and poker circles, earning a reputation as a serious competitor. He loved his bridge nights so much that he played just two nights before his health rapidly declined and he entered hospice care.
Walter treasured every moment of this chapter of his life and the love he shared with Paula.
Heaven, April 12, 2026
On this day Walter joined his loved ones that made this journey before him: his dad Christiaan; his mother Hendereina; his sister Rainy; his wife Gean; his son Donald; his daughter Theresa
Walter was a man of strong faith. Beginning in childhood, his family read the Bible after each meal and attended church every Sunday. He carried those traditions throughout his life and continued them with Paula.
Though our hearts are broken and we will miss Walter tremendously, we find comfort in knowing he is with God—enjoying a renewed, healthy body, fishing, and collecting free drink chips from his new poker friends.
His faith, resilience, and love for life will remain an inspiration to all who knew him.
Walter will be deeply missed by:
Paula, whom he cherished and called his angel; Leo and Patricia (brother and sister-in-law); Chris and Renee (son and daughter-in-law); Jayson, Cody, Nicolle, Kelson, Briony, and Conall (grandchildren); three great-grandchildren; and his many friends around the card table.
Walter’s Favorites:
Favorite Quote: Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow, Leave Today
Favorite Hymn: The Old Rugged Cross
Favorite Football Team: Seattle Seahawks
Walter’s Holocaust Presentation: Journey of Hope
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.mm.
Friday April 17, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.mm.
Friday April 17, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
FJ says
Thank you, Father, for Walter’s gifts to life.
Marilyn Kelly-Clark says
I did not know your dad, but my dad and father in law, uncle, and others, also served in WWII.Their whole generation experienced things that we will hopefully never know, but their experiences toughened their souls and gave them a resolve few people have. Your father sounds like a wonderful man and I wish him God Speed on his journey.
Vince Justice says
Walter is a wonderful man, and will be missed. I know he is up in heaven now, so am happy for him there.
Matthew and Vickie Davis says
We are so thankful that Paula found a companion and friend to adventure through life with for the last 12 years. He was a good-hearted person who cared deeply for Paula. We are sure he will continue to watch over her from above until they meet again.
Cindy Hoy says
I was priveleged to hear Walter speak at my Church on a couple different occasions. His story left an imprint on my life and I know on the lives of many others. He was an excellent source to remind us not to make the same mistakes of the past so that history will not repeat itself. I hope all the kids who heard him speak take what he had to say to heart. I pray peace to his family!