Walter Kenneth Mallette

Walter "Butch" Kenneth Mallette, age 66, a resident of Colville, WA passed away unexpectedly
of a cardiac event on May 14, 2024 in Kettle Falls, WA. Butch was born on September 11, 1957
in La Crosse, WI the son of Roy Ellsworth and Beverly Jean (Dunbar) Mallette.
He was raised in Hastings, Minnesota where he attended school. Following high school, he
entered the U.S. Army National Guard and while in basic training, was introduced to Erin Sisk.
It was love at first sight! Six weeks later, they tied the knot with vows that would last a lifetime.
He brought with him his beautiful little girl from his previous marriage, Melissa. While in
Wichita, KS their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Robin. After a short stay in
Wichita they moved to Tacoma, where Butch developed a love and a talent for construction and
remodeling While in Tacoma, Beverly and Joshua were born and Butch's love grew each day as
he embraced and shared time with his family. Their family returned to Hastings, Minnesota and
Butch returned to the construction of both residential, commercial and re-modeling of homes.
They would stay in Hastings for the next 27 years. As Butch approached his retirement years, he
and Erin began looking for a place to settle and slow down. With a brief stay in Heppner, OR
they pre-retired to Colville, WA. Butch said, he had found home when they discovered Colville.
He brought his construction business, "Mallette's Custom Fabrication Unlimited" with him and
was working on residential construction projects.
Butch had an incredible gift for new fabrication and repurposed materials. His mind was
constantly building new ideas and approaches that inspired and facilitated innovative projects.
Butch had a mathematical mind as well that allowed for all the pieces to come together as
planned. He was a story-teller of his life's adventures and his journey ignited awe and wonder!
His grocery store visits were lengthy because he made friends and shared life with a great
passion. Butch also had a strong faith and love of God which he shared as well. He was a
wonderful husband, a providing and caring father and the best cuddler of his grandchildren. He
will also be missed for his ability to draw and create art from nearly anything. He could see the
unseen beauty in God's creations both small and large. The Lord's grace humbled him everyday
and he shared every moment in gratitude.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lester French.
He is survived by his 4 children, Melissa Martin of Hasting, MN, Robin Johnson (Brian) of Pine
City, MN, Beverly Kelly, and Joshua "Kitty" Mallette (Bree) of Gresham, OR; 10 grandchildren
whom he loved with all his heart and soul, Hayley, Miranda, Alexis, Annabell, Tim, Royal,
Eadelyn, Ellsworth, Aoife and Tria; one great-granddaughter, Alayna; 8 siblings, Roy "Jr"
Mallette (Gail), Theresa Hill, Mike Burr, Kim Burr, Tim Burr, Debbie Burr, Mary Edgeberg and
Will Humiston; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of extended family.
A memorial gathering and tree planting for Walter "Butch" K. Mallette will be held at the family
home on May 25, 2024 in memory of his life. Memorial contributions may be given the charity
of your choice. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.
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