Obituary: Walter John Hinebauch Jr.

Walter John Hinebauch Jr. went to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior Monday, Feb. 20, 2017.

Although he had been suffering from pulmonary fibrosis his passing was sudden.

Walter was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His family meant the world to him and everything he did was for his family. Walter was 83 years young.

Visitation will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, at Silha Funeral Home in Glendive, Montana. A funeral service will take place Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, at the Glendive Alliance Church in Glendive with Kyle and Kirk Hinebauch officiating. Interment will be held in Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Walter was born to Walter Hinebauch Sr. and Martha (Miller) Hinebauch, the fourth of seven children, Nov. 28, 1933, on the family farm near Eastend, Saskatchewan, Canada. He moved with his family from Eastend to Chinook, Montana, January 1, 1945. That spring they moved to a leased farm near Cottonwood school north of Havre. This is where Walter finished his grade school education. Walter worked with his father during the farming seasons and various jobs in the winters.

Walter met Edith Marie Ludtke, a country school teacher, and they were married March 29, 1952. They resided in Havre, farming with his parents until 1957. They then purchased the Statelen Farms in Turner, Montana. Walt and Edith were immersed into Christ by a cowboy preacher named Orin Hardenbrook in Turner in the late 50s. From then on, the Church was an important part of his life. It was important that his family was in attendance and he lived his faith in his daily life.

In August 1980, they moved to Glendive, Montana, to continue farming and ranching. They later formed and operated their famous X Hangin' H Ranch Cattle Drives and hunting trips on the ranch. They had guests from all over the world and many new, dear friendships were made. Walt was an avid reader and loved Montana history. If you needed to know anything in the history department, Walt was the man to ask.

Walter enjoyed the camaraderie of his coffee group, playing cards at the Senior Center and visiting with friends and family. A highlight of his life was going on a hunting safari in Africa in 2012.

Walter was preceded in death by the love of his life of 59 years, Edith; his parents; brother Roy Calvin; sisters Dorothy Nelubowich and Velma Stuber; and grandson Shane Hinebauch.

Walter is survived by his nine children, Randy (Lisa) Hinebauch of Chinook; Steve (Beth) Hinebauch of Wibaux, Montana; Loren (Mary) Hinebauch of Miles City, Montana; Cathy Luke of Chester, Montana; Carla (Mark) Roseberry of Billings, Montana; Calvin (Marian) Hinebauch of Henderson, Nevada; Don (Tammie) Hinebauch of Huntley, Montana; Ida (Ryan) Pawlowski of Circle, Montana, and Mary Ellen (Jim) Nagle of Lindsay, Montana; 35 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren with four more on the way! Walter is also survived by sisters Gladys Klundt of Whitefish, Montana, and Linda Hinebauch of Great Falls, Montana, and brother Bill (Linda) of Yuma, Arizona.

Memorials in Walter's name are suggested to Pioneer Bible Translators (PBT) Fund and sent c/o Randy Hinebauch PO Box 97, Chinook, Mt 59523.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at silhafuneralhome.com