Richard Lee Walter

Richard "Rick" L. Walter, a beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Coulee City, Washington, on April 8, 2025. Born on May 21, 1948, in Spokane, Washington, to Carl and Ruth Walter, Rick grew up in Odessa and graduated from Odessa High School in 1966.

Rick married the love of his life, Kim Bryntesen, on February 22, 1974, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In 1975, they moved to Odessa to take over the family farm. He and Kim raised their family on a farm located five miles east of town, where Rick worked the land with dedication and passion until his retirement in 2022. In addition to farming, Rick enjoyed raising cattle for many years. Although it was challenging, he found joy in taking care of them. Following his retirement, Rick and Kim moved off the farm and settled in Coulee City.

Rick was a sports enthusiast throughout his life. In high school, he was an active member of the Odessa Tigers football, basketball, and tennis teams. His love for sports continued into adulthood, where he enjoyed participating in a local bowling league, town team basketball, snowmobiling, and boating/water skiing on Lake Roosevelt. Rick and his family cherished their summer weekends at Two Rivers Marina, camping along the shores of Lake Roosevelt, or daily trips with the “river crew” and others friends they met on “B” dock. Rick was known for his love of the sun and water, and you would rarely catch him with his shirt on while he was at the river. In later years, Rick and his wife enjoyed following Gonzaga basketball and local high school teams. Additionally, Rick loved his trips back East to Kentucky to visit his sister and her family and really enjoyed their road trips exploring the Southeast.

Rick also had a passion for maintaining a beautiful yard. He took great pride in his yard work, finding joy and satisfaction in keeping his outdoor space looking pristine. Additionally, Rick had the biggest sweet tooth and a particular love for Pepsi, which he enjoyed throughout his life.

Rick's favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren. Whether attending their sporting events or cuddling in his rocker reading a book, he cherished every moment. His smile and laughter were ever-present when they were around, and it was clear they were the light of his life.

Rick is survived by his wife, Kim Walter; three children, Shad (Tori) Walter, Kori (Roger) Holloway, and Rick (Karlee) Walter; and his eight grandchildren: Sydney Walter, McKinley Walter, Gabby Walter, Gage Walter, Forrest Holloway, Kanyon Holloway, Declynn Walter, and Blakely Walter. He is also survived by his sister, Carol (Richie) Michels; niece, Rachele (Mike) Crabtree; and nephew, Brad (Beth) Micheles.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on May 18th 2025 at 1pm at the Odessa community center.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/grand-coulee-wa/richard-walter-12335015

Strate funeral home, in Grand Coulee is caring for the family.