Walter “Whitey” Starkel

Just shy of his 88th birthday, Walter “Whitey” Starkel, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather began his final journey to his Lord on Friday, Oct. 5, from his home east of Pablo. Whitey was born to Christina and Peter Starkel on October 28, 1924, in Mahnomen, Minn., and married Belle Anderson on May 13, 1945, in Pablo. They later moved to Nebraska, California, and then back to Ronan where they resided and raised their seven children and a nephew. His work career included working as a machinist in an airplane factory in Los Angeles. Eventually, his love of hunting and fishing and the outdoors brought him back to Montana where he worked at Stanley Scearce, and eventually became head electrician at Plum Creek Lumber Company in Pablo in 1959. He retired after 28 years of service in 1987. Whitey was preceded in death by his beloved wife Belle and daughter Sandy Cheff. He is survived by six children and a nephew; Renee Summers; Dennis (Becky); Norman (Chris); Rick (Evaleen); Lana Toelke; Doug (Tammy) of Pablo; and nephew Peter Reum (Karen). Whitey has 23 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Whitey enjoyed a variety of activities. He was an expert marksman who joined the Ronan Rifle Club. Many hours were spent bonding with his family and especially his sons while fishing, hunting, and camping. He enjoyed throwing horseshoes in competition, bowling in league, playing cards with family and friends, dancing, active participation in the VFW, and later participated in senior citizen events. At age seventeen, Whitey joined the US Coast Guard after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  While on destroyer escort he helped guard the Pacific Coast from attack by enemy submarines, and protected convoys of ships carrying troops and supplies. Whitey also served as a gunner, a helmsman, and trained attack-guard dogs. Whitey continued his support of the military by active participation as a Charter Member in the VFW post 5652. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Whitey’s honor to the Ronan VFW. Viewing will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday evening at Shrider’s Mortuary in Ronan. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12, at the Ronan First Baptist Church. Military graveside services will immediately follow at the cemetery. Please rejoin the family at the First Baptist Church to share in a meal.   The family would like to thank everyone for their calls and support.