Walter Wlaysewski
courtesy photo
Walter Wlaysewski
POLSON — Walter Michael Wlaysewski, 80, passed away at home on April 7, 2024, with his wife and children at his bedside.
Wally was born on Dec. 17, 1943, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, to Mary and Joseph Wlaysewski. He became certified in boiler repair and welding after high school and later served two years in the Army, from 1965-67.
In 1969 Wally traveled to Alaska as a Jesuit volunteer to serve in the Yup’ik Eskimo village of St. Mary’s where he later met his wife, Linda. They married in 1972 and over the years were blessed with six children.
Wally put his superior welding skills to work on the Alaska pipeline, in industrial welding, and finally in his own business, States in Steel. Upon the family’s return to Butte, he devoted his life to sculpting steel into topographically accurate maps of any state or country. His pieces have sold across the country and abroad.
Music was Wally’s past-time, playing guitar and singing. He wrote several songs and shared his CDs, entertaining residents in nursing homes everywhere he traveled.
Wally was most passionate about history, science, politics, and the NY Mets. He was devoted to his faith and a strong advocate of world peace. He will be remembered by those who knew him as kind and generous, soft-spoken and mild-mannered, creative, persistent, hard-working, and eccentric.
Wally is survived by his wife and six children: Ben (Danielle) Wlaysewski, Alena (Steve) Chacon, Sharon, Katie, Joe, and Amanda Wlaysewski; his brothers, Joe Laski, and John (Mary Ellen) Wlaysewski; nine grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. His sister, Joan Dankowski, preceded him in death in 2023.
A memorial Mass for Walter will be celebrated in Butte at St. Patrick’s church on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. with a Rosary preceding at 10:30 a.m. There will be a reception to follow at Knights of Columbus from noon-2 p.m.
