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BORN
1938
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Wallace Shalz Obituary
Great Falls - Our beloved husband, father, grandpa, and great grandpa, Gene Shalz, died peacefully at home on November 21, 2020, surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.
Gene was born September 30, 1938, in Sand Point, Idaho to Nora Bailey and Gordon Eisenman. In 1956, he graduated from Flathead High School, where he excelled academically and as a drummer. Following a year working for the forest service and another year of college, Gene enrolled in the U.S. Army. He was proud to serve our Country for three years. He became a missile instructor at Redstone Arsenal. Thereafter, he worked on large mainframe computers for IBM for 34 years, prior to retiring in 1995.
Gene had so much love for his family, including his one true love, his wife of 41 years, Philomena "Phil" (Brannon) Shalz. Together they raised six beautiful children, Autumn (Tim Zech) Rudolph of Augusta, MT, Ashley (Rob) Chevalier of Dallas, TX, Jay (Candi) of Augusta, MT, Linda Teegardin of Fairbanks, AK, and Lance, who preceded him in death. Gene is also survived by his sister, Pat (Ed) Payne. Gene delighted in spending time with all of his 18 grandchildren, Joe, Danielle, Matthew, Julie, Molly, Rachel, Zech, Kenan, Jeremiah, Abigail, Caleb, Noah, Tori, T.J., Croix, Drew, Rylee, and Kodee. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, Addison, Madeline, Tristan, Louie, Adrianna, Trey, Oliver, Hallie, Jude, and Maia, as well as his honorary grandchildren, Libby and Scobey; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Gene in death, were his parents; eldest son, Lance; and grandson, Charlie.
Gene and Phil made many happy memories with their grandchildren over the years, whether it was camping at Pishkun, huckleberry picking at Hungry Horse, hunting and fishing, or harvesting their massive vegetable garden. When Gene wasn't recreating outdoors with his family, beekeeping or gardening, Gene was likely collecting and refinishing antiques. He was also an excellent bowler.
Gene was very involved in Victory Church. He was the first one to arrive on Sunday mornings to make sure the coffee was ready and also to place dibs on the first chocolate cream donut.
A celebration of Gene's life will be held at Set Free Ministries on Friday, November 27, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victory Church. Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wallace Shalz
Sponsored by Schnider Funeral Home - Great Falls.
3 Entries
Linda feldwieser
November 27, 2020
My husband and I first met Gene in Florida where we vacation. I met Gene one morning while I was drinking my coffee by the resorts pool. Gene started to chat. At the end of our conversation, Gene mentioned that he had a group of guys that had coffee every morning by the pool and asked if I wanted to join. The next morning (about 10 years ago) I walked to the pool and joined "the men". I am not sure how the others felt, but Gene never wavered - he accepted me as part of "the group. This is very telling to me of the kind of person he was. Personally, I found him to be the kindest, thoughtful and most considerate man I have met. He was funny, witty,intelligent and always a pleasure to be around. He was a wealth of knowledge and always knew to to do something . Gene introduced me to his lovely wife Phil ,who my husband and I give our deepest sympathy to. Over the years we always connected during our vacation . Gene never changed. He was "the man" the social director and Phil became one of my good friends.
Gene will surely be missed. He will be thought of always and we know he will cast a shadow of love and peace from above as he looks down and smiles on us all
Linda feldwieser
November 27, 2020
I will always remember Gene for his kind, gentle nature and how welcoming he was. I first met Gene in Florida where my husband, Walt and I vacation. After a brief conversation (10 years ago) Gene asked me to join him and the rest of "his male friends" for morning coffee at the resort - which I did. I'm not sure Gene's friends appreciated me but Gene never wavered--- welcoming me always.
He was bright, funny, witty, a gentlemen and loved by everyone who met him.
The world is a better place for having Gene. He will look over earth from above and cast a shadow of love and peace.
Gene will be missed.....and remembered always.
Linda feldwieser
Fort Washington, Pa
Kathy Mann
November 25, 2020
Phil and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will never forget Gene and the encouragement he gave me when I was working with the kids at the Eagles Lodge in Great Falls. I will always have great memories of him and will always remember his smile and hugs. He was such a wonderful and thoughtful man. May the memories you hold help you in the coming days. RIP Gene.
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