Peter 'Pete Wiltgen

Peter Richard "Pete" Wiltgen, 88, of Missoula passed away on April 24, 2014.

He was born on November 26, 1925 to Peter and Emma (Koebernick) Wiltgen in Lewistown, MT. He attended school there graduating in 1943.

Pete served in the U.S. Army, 6th Armored Division from 1944 to 1947. He was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge and received his Purple Heart and 3 Bronze Stars. Pete attended many SuperSixer reunions around the country most with his wife and a few with his sons.

Pete married the love of his life in Lewistown on October 4, 1947.

Pete was a Railway Express Agency Agent first in Lewistown, then Bozeman and then to Missoula. Upon retirement with REA, Pete moved to his next career at the University in the Shipping and Receiving Department. Upon retiring from the U, Pete and Rita moved to a new home in Stevensville where they enjoyed the perfect retirement before moving to The Springs in Missoula.

Pete was a Charter Member of the South Side Lions Club. Lion Pete was frequently seen performing Lion duties at many Griz games and the County Fair. He also read the Missoulian for the blind. Pete was an active member of First Lutheran Church, serving as an Elder and Sunday School Teacher.

Pete and Rita restored a 1936 Chrysler Airflow. It brought them many cherished memories including national, state and local rallies, escorting brides and grooms or attending community events. He was a member of many car clubs, most notably the Hellgate Classic Car Club. Pete loved model railroading having built a train yard in the garage in Stevensville. He was the proud conductor of several model trains, much to the enjoyment of guests and grandkids.

Pete is survived by his wife Rita; sons Dan (Cathy) of Absarokee, MT; Hal (Deb) and daughter Diane Alden of Missoula; grandchildren Daniel Rusoff and Justine Evans of Missoula; Greg (Meagan) Parrow of Coast Guard Station, Duluth, MN and Chad Wiltgen of Ft. Drum, NY and 1 great grandson, Jack Parrow.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Anita Eno, his brother Chester and his beloved Godmother, Mrs. Porter who kept him steadfast in his faith.

Cremation has taken place. A service will be held at First Lutheran Church on Tuesday, April 29 at 11:00 a.m. followed by lunch at the church. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire a memorial, contributions can be made to South Side Lions, c/o John Stenger 1608 Altura Dr. in Missoula MT 59802 or First Lutheran Church, 2808 South Avenue West, Missoula, MT 59804 or the charity of your choice.

Garden City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.



Read Peter 'Pete" Wiltgen's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.