PETER MOLENDA

Peter Molenda, 86, of Hamilton, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, surrounded by his family at his home.

He was born to Peter and Anna Molenda, a longtime Whitehall family, on Nov. 30, 1930, in Butte. He graduated from Whitehall High School. Soon after graduation, he married Shirley Humphrey. They began their marriage that lasted nearly 60 years with two nickels. That summer, they lived in a lookout on Richard's Peak in northwest Montana. They lived all over the state, starting in Missoula, then Butte, Superior, Baker, Billings, Whitehall and retiring in Hamilton. From one end of the state to the other, he had a very large extended family and many very dear friends. He was the best dad ever. He made many personal sacrifices for his wife and children. Peter worked for the Forest Service as a young man and then Mountain Bell until he retired in 1985. As a young father, he trapped, fished and hunted to help support his family. Pete loved playing poker with Hamilton buddies for nearly 50 years. He loved working in his garden, and planting trees at the last home that he and Shirley built.

Peter is survived by his five daughters, Marlene (Barry Naylor), Missoula, Marcia Molenda, Missoula, Marianna Molenda (Shirley Chase), Missoula, Mona (Rory McCarty), Hamilton, Mori (Tom Woods) Butte; one son, Peter Molenda, Stanwood, Wash.; his sister, Marlene Molenda; brother Ron Molenda; nine grandchildren, Emily Hargis, Laura Naylor, Devon Downing, Benjamin Woods, Peter Woods, Molenda McCarty, Allen McCarty, Larry Molenda and Henry Molenda; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; daughter Michelle; his parents, Peter and Anna Molenda; brothers Jim and Larry; and sister Dorothy.

At Peter's request, there will be no formal service. Arrangements are under the care of the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton, dalyleachchapel.com.

The family suggests memorials to The National Children's Leukemia Foundation, 7316 Ave. U., Brooklyn, NY 11234, or the charity of your choice.