LaMar M. Steigerwalt, 81, of Corvallis, MT passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family and caregivers. He was born September 17, 1941 in Lehighton, PA to the late Pauline A. (Mertz) and Luther M. Steigerwalt.
LaMar was raised and lived most of his life near Ashfield, PA, where he enjoyed hunting and keeping up the family land with his tractor. He enjoyed riding motorcycle with family and friends. His faith life began nearby at Ben Salem Union Church.
LaMar graduated from Lehighton High School in 1959. After graduation, he served in the US Navy aboard the U.S. Cogswell DD 651 as a machinist mate. Following his service, LaMar met the love of his life, Carole L. Fricke, while working at Coplay Discount on a blind date at the company Christmas party. They married on August 8, 1964 at the chapel of Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA, where LaMar was a student. In 1967, LaMar graduated with a B.S. in accounting. Soon thereafter, he became a CPA while working at Ernst and Ernst in Allentown, PA. In 1972, he began a 20-year banking career at Merchants National Bank which included positions as Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and Comptroller. During this time, he raised three daughters. LaMar served on the Palmerton Hospital board and was active in the Allentown Lions Club, eventually serving as President.
During his retirement, he and Carole moved to western Montana, setting off on many adventures from a location close to his daughters Laura and Debra. After numerous camping outings with the Good Sams group, he became known as the “leveler” of the propane stove. He made many new friends and enjoyed visits from friends and family for hunting trips in eastern Montana. LaMar and Carole went fishing in Canada, on Lake Erie, and throughout Montana.
LaMar was preceded in death by his brother Donald of Kriedersville, PA and nephew Rick.
He is survived by his wife Carole of Corvallis, MT; daughter Marla (Lucykanish) and her husband David of Lehighton, PA; daughter Debra and her husband Oscar Macz of Missoula, MT; daughter Laura (Capron) and her wife Kim Hendryx of Victor, Montana; sister-in-law Barbara of Kriedersville, PA; 15 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; a niece, Cindy (Harakal); and a nephew, Michael.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 16th at 1:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, MT with the Rev. Brianne Christiansen officiating. A reception will follow. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Bitterroot Woman’s Club Foundation.