Walter William Niehoff

Walter William Niehoff, 90, died on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017.

He was born in Opheim, Mont., in 1927. He was the youngest of four children born to William and Mary Niehoff.

He graduated in 1944 in Opheim. After graduation, he served honorably in the U.S. Navy. Upon leaving the military, he returned to the family farm in Glentana.

He met the love of his life, Martha Marsh, in Seattle, Wash., where they were married in 1952. They then resided on the family farm until 1960. At that time they moved to Los Angeles 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.

He was an active member of St. Helena Cathedral, a member of the Knights of Columbus and Veterans of War. He was an expert woodworker who created fine furniture, toys and household items for his family members.

During their retirement, he 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.

He was a man of character and compassion. He was a devoted husband and father to his wife of 56 years and his five 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 his wife, Martha, dancing in the heavens.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Martha; his parents, William and Mary Niehoff; three sisters, Julia, Esther and Leona; one niece, Elaine; and a son-in-law, Ronan O'Donnell.

He is survived by five children, Margaret Pollington and her husband, Kenny, of Helena, Walt Niehoff Jr. and his wife, Martha, of Seattle, Wash., Joan O'Donnell of Helena, Suzanne Blomquist of Spokane, Wash, and Bill Niehoff and his wife, Debbie, of Helena; one niece, Kathleen Hilbig and her husband, Ron, and their family; and nine grandchildren, John O'Donnell, Amy Pollington, Nicole Blomquist, Rory O'Donnell, Dana Blomquist, Nick Pollington, Will Niehoff, Brianna Niehoff and Libby Niehoff.

A viewing was held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a vigil service starting at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28, at Retz Funeral Home, 316 E. 6th Ave, Helena. A funeral Mass was celebrated at 12 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St, Helena, with a reception following in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. A burial with military honors followed 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 http://www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Walter.