Michael Clifford Walter

A beloved father, friend, and brother completed his life’s journey on July 25, 2026. Michael “Mike” Clifford Walter passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, at a retirement home in Thermopolis, Wyoming. He will be remembered as a devoted father and grandfather, loving husband, avid outdoorsman, skilled craftsman, and a talented artist.

Mike was born on the first day of spring in 1952 to Virginia and Otto Walter. Life on Foster Lane in Billings, Montana was everything a young boy in the 50’s and 60’s should have had: freedom to roam, summers without shoes, lifelong friendships, hustling for petty jobs, a little bit of trouble, and an innocent crush at the end of road (who ends up your wife of 36 years!). Mike grew up with two older siblings - Cindy Oppelt and Otto “Butch” Walter, a younger sister - Lynne Slawiak, and a twin sister - Suz Marshak. After their father passed away in 1957, the Walters learned how to survive on a modest budget and to trust and support each other into adulthood. Mike would speak fondly about working summers as a teen for ranchers and farmers up the Boulder River near McCloud, MT. His sisters, Suz and Cin, would work at a nearby dude ranch. Even as their lives spread out over the country, the Walter siblings had a unique bond and friendship that Mike cherished.

Following high school at Senior High, Mike enrolled in an Associate of Arts program at Northwest Community College in Powell, WY. His steady hand and sharp eye for detail helped him to excel in nearly every art medium. Painting with oil and watercolors would be a life-long passion for Mike.

In 1975, Mike was reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Marleen Sticka. They married and began raising a family together. They built a home and raised their children - Otto J. Walter, Jessica M. Ream, and Michael A. Walter, on the north end of Billings, where the kids attended Shepherd Highschool. Mike would often be found on the back slope of their home mowing his grass, planting and pruning trees, or changing the water on his irrigation system. Countless memorable events were hosted by Mike and Marleen, from summer barbeques and graduation parties, the marriage of their daughter, to cold winter nights playing guitar and singing songs with neighbors and friends.

Mike was a detailed and skilled craftsman. He worked for several millwork and cabinet shops in Billings, eventually forming Commercial Cabinets. While Mike never thought of himself as a leader, his crew had the utmost respect for his attention to detail, the passion he brought to his work, and his fair and honest approach to business. Many of his friends and family would solicit help from Mike on countless projects, where he would rarely decline. He wasn’t afraid to put you to work and certainly wouldn’t hold back if your work quality was lacking (he could see plumb, level, and square quicker than you could grab a level or square!). A shared beer and laugh were all he’d ever accept.

Fishing, hunting, and camping were truly loved by Mike. He would approach the outdoors with calm and patience. Fishing on the banks of the Stillwater, Boulder, and Yellowstone rivers was where Mike was most at peace. The quiet tying of his line, the search for the perfect fishing hole, and the sweet reward of a catch would recharge his spirit. Camping was second nature to Mike. For many years, he and Marleen would take the kids into the mountains of Montana with their tent-trailer. He was a master camp chef, cooking everything over the campfire from morning coffee and breakfast hash, to classic burgers, and the (occasional) fresh trout. On one occasion, Mike split, shaved, and whittled a wooden spatula, saving everyone from a pancake-free camping trip! Evenings were spent with Mike playing his guitar around the campfire while we sang along to “Folsom Prison Blues”, “North to Alaska”, and “Any Old Time”.

As a father, Mike was everything his kids needed him to be. He was a provider, who rarely let the challenges of his career or business impact life at home. He was never the loudest voice on the sidelines, but his children knew they had his love, trust, and support. Home repairs were always an opportunity to teach his kids the basics of home ownership. All of his children would later develop capabilities in all things “DIY”. His kids learned that dad would (almost) always find a way to the truth, where his forms of discipline were targeted and well-crafted. Without him raising a hand, they learned quickly to keep out of trouble. As adults and parents themselves, his children have embodied his greatest traits: composure, compassion, and comradery.

After retirement, Mike moved to Thermopolis, WY in the summer of 2016. While he still could, he enjoyed fishing on the Bighorn River and playing his guitar. A few days a week, he would venture down to a local watering hole that he affectionately called the “Office”, where he quickly made new friends. His last few years were at the Wyoming Pioneer Home at Hot Springs State Park. He thoroughly appreciated the loving staff, fellow residents, and friends he made there. He helped a few residents learn the basics of watercolor and briefly played guitar with an in-house quartet. His time in Thermopolis also allowed him to spend time with his daughter and her family, especially his grandsons. Thermopolis gave his sons and their families a destination to gather and stay connected.

Mike is survived by his son, Otto J. Walter (Jenn) and three children, Zoey, Kyra, and Liam; his daughter, Jessica Ream (Tom) and two children, Jack and Simon; his son, Michael (Janell), and their three children, Jacob, Sydney, and Jon; his siblings, Cindy (David) Oppelt, Butch (Chris) Walter, Suz (John) Marshak; and his former wife Marleen Walter.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Virginia Walter, his sister, Lynne Slawiak, and his nephew Joseph Slawiak.

Please join us for happy hour at the VFW in Thermopolis to celebrate the life of Mike on August 14th, 2026 from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeoneline.com.