Arnold Waller

Arnold Waller

Born in Circle, Montana, in 1932, to Theodore Waller, a cowboy and rancher in McCone County, Montana, and Elizabeth Waller (Dougherty), a dedicated schoolteacher from Minnesota, Arnold grew up in the rugged beauty of northern McCone County. His mother taught Arnold and his siblings in a rural one-room schoolhouse, instilling in them the value of education and perseverance. Arnold was the second eldest of five children.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Alvin Waller; and sister, Margery Koltes; and is survived by his brother, Leo Waller of Circle, Montana; and sister, Eldora Berry of Billings.

Arnold graduated from Circle High School in 1950 and proudly served in the U.S. Army beginning in 1952. Stationed in Germany during the post-war rebuilding efforts, he discovered his lifelong trade as an operating engineer, a skill that would shape his career and legacy.

After his discharge in 1954, Arnold embarked on a distinguished career in road construction. The development of the interstate highway system took him across Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and South Dakota. Starting as a welder/mechanic, Arnold worked his way up to operating engineer and eventually superintendent, later applying his expertise in the coal mines of Gillette, Wyoming.

While working in Rapid City, South Dakota, Arnold met the love of his life, Vernice Curtis. Together, they built a family and raised five children, Genie Loghry (preceded in death), Michael Gorsuch, Raymond (Duane) Gorsuch, Art Waller, and James Waller. Their family grew to include fifteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren spread across the United States. Arnold was a devoted father and stepfather, teaching his children the importance of hard work and serving as a true example of what it means to be a dad and husband.

Arnold and Vernice eventually retired to Billings, Montana, where they enjoyed their later years together until Vernice's passing in 2019. Arnold joined her in eternal rest on Sunday, November 30, at Highgate Assisted Living in Billings. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially those who called him brother, Dad, and Grandpa.

Arnold will be remembered as a loving husband, a proud father, and a master builder with the heart of a cowboy. His final resting place will be at Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel, Montana, alongside his beloved wife, Vernice.

Memorial services will be held on December 8, at 10 a.m. at Smith Downtown Funeral Chapel in Billings, Montana.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked you to consider donating to The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Arnold's name.