Arnold Waller
Arnold Waller, 93, of Billings died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at Highgate Assisted Living in Billings.
Born in Circle in 1932 to Theodore Waller, a cowboy and rancher in McCone County and Elizabeth Waller (Dougherty), a dedicated schoolteacher from Minnesota, he grew up in the rugged beauty of northern McCone County. His mother taught him and his siblings in a rural one-room schoolhouse, instilling in them the value of education and perseverance. He was the second eldest of five children.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Alvin Waller; and sister, Margery Koltes.
He is survived by his brother, Leo Waller of Circle; and sister, Eldora Berry of Billings.
He graduated from Circle High School in 1950 and proudly served in the U.S. Army beginning in 1952. Stationed in Germany during the post-war rebuilding efforts, he discovered his lifelong trade as an operating engineer.
After his discharge in 1954, he embarked on a career in road construction. The development of the interstate highway system took him across Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and South Dakota. Starting as a welder/mechanic, he worked his way up to operating engineer and eventually superintendent, later applying his expertise in the coal mines of Gillette, Wyo.
While working in Rapid City, S.D., he met Vernice Curtis. Together, they built a family and raised five children, Genie Loghry (preceded in death), Michael Gorsuch, Raymond Gorsuch, Art Waller and James Waller. Their family grew to include 15 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was a devoted father and stepfather, teaching his children the importance of hard work and serving as a true example of what it means to be a dad and husband.
He and Vernice eventually retired to Billings, where they enjoyed their later years together until Vernice's death in 2019.
Memorial services were held Dec. 8 at Smith Downtown Funeral Chapel in Billings. Burial will be at Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel, alongside Vernice.
