Walter 'Walt' David Sauskojus

Walter "Walt" David Sauskojus, 89, died peacefully at Spring Creek Inn in Bozeman on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016.

He was born Feb. 11, 1927, the third of six children born to David and Marie Sauskojus, who farmed in Richland. He worked hard with his sisters and brothers to help his parents maintain the farm.

In 1946 he served in the Army, stationed in Germany as a welder/mechanic. After being honorably discharged, he came back to the states, fell in love and married Elinor Reddig in 1952 (divorced in 1980). Walt and Elinor had six children.

Walt was a "jack of all trades." His first adventure was a farm in Peerless, where he moved his small family (at the time) into a remodeled chicken coop that they had acquired from his uncle. He built a real house on the farm while living in the chicken coop. He farmed for five years. He wanted to try something different so bought the Star Motel/gas station in Glasgow, selling the business after five years. Then he moved on to his next adventure of raising sheep. He purchased 1,000 head of sheep and ranched in Tampico. Although the sheep ranch was an unforgettable experience for the entire family, he wanted more for his family and became a businessman. He started with CharEl Mobile Home Sales and learned all the ins and outs of the mobile home business, starting his own business in Bozeman where he and a partner started Premiere Homes in 1969. Premiere Homes eventually expanded into Billings. He retired to enjoy the leisure life of fishing in his favorite spots, not only in Mont., but also salmon fishing in Tillamook, Ore.

He is preceded in death by one sister, Ruth, and an infant brother.

He is survived by six children: Charlotte Runner and her husband, Jack, of Harlowton, Mont., Ruth Kronfuss and her husband, Roscoe, of Bozeman, Kathryn Marks and her husband, Steve, of Houston, Texas; Dean Sauskojus and his wife, Karen, of Bozeman, Kenneth Sauskojus and his wife, Debbie, of Bozeman, and James Sauskojus and his wife, Patty, of Grand Forks, N.D .; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; and three siblings, Anna, Gerhardt and Karl.

Special thanks to the staff at Spring Creek Inn and Hospice of Bozeman Health for their compassionate care and to the family and friends who came to visit him faithfully.

A memorial service was held at Dahl Funeral Chapel at 2 p.m., Sept. 30, with a reception following.

Donations may be made to Spring Creek Inn located at 1641 Hunters Way, Bozeman, MT 59718; Hospice of Bozeman Health at 3810 Valley Commons Dr., Bozeman, MT 59718, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements were in the care of Dahl Funeral and Cremation Services in Bozeman. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at http://www.dahlcares.com.