Delmer Shatto (Del)

Delmer (Del) Shatto, age 86, passed away Saturday, March 29, 2014 at home from natural causes.
He was born in Spencer, Iowa on April 18, 1927 to Orpha and Luther Shatto. Theirs was a busy life of hard work as they were a farm family.
On Nov. 19, 1945 Delmer married June Marie Wells and they lived in Iowa until they moved to Missoula in 1965. Together they pursued raising a large family and their favorite things such as gardening and traveling the country to NASCAR races. Sprint car racing has lost a most avid fan. Teaching his sons to hunt, fish, and love the outdoors was important to him. In later years he decided to learn to dance and jumped in wholeheartedly.
Del worked at Van Evans mill upon first coming to Missoula he then attended the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and worked in security at the University of Montana. Later he transferred to the motor pool where he worked until retirement.
His life was forever changed when June was taken in an accidental death. As a father of eight children, that became his whole life. Ever since we can remember there has been kindness in his eyes, caring in his voice and love in his smile.
Delmer was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister, and his wife June, his oldest daughter Dixie and son Jeff.
His survivors include children; Kathy (Gale) Haddick, of Polson, Susan (Don) Haberkon, of New Mexico, Ken Shatto, of Missoula, Ron (Holly) Shatto, of Kalispell, Monica (Ron) Shatto, of Missoula, Karen (Ron) Hines, of Denver. He is also survived by a sister, Carol of Iowa, a brother, Wayne Shatto, of Missoula, and son in law, Verlyn Smith in Minnesota. Del has 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. All of his nieces and nephews were close to him and he loved them all. There will be an empty spot in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family burial with a memorial service to be announced at a later date. Sunset Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Partners Hospice of Missoula or one of the donor's choice.

Read Delmer Shatto's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.