David Alden Egeler

David Alden Egeler, 78, of White Sulphur Springs, MT, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2022. He died in Benefis Hospital secondary to complications from Covid. His sons, Eric and Wayne were there by his side to comfort him during his passing. Dave was born at Munson Hospital in Traverse City, MI to George Alden Egeler and Rita Ethel Hahnenberg. He was the middle child of 3 boys. His brothers are Bob and Tom. As a teen he loved spending his time cruising around in his car when he was not working. Dave went into the Army in 1961 where he received an honorable discharge in 1964. He then worked for Ford in Livonia, MI where he completed an apprenticeship program as a Millwright Journeyman. He married Helen Louise Anderson in 1968, and they had 2 sons, Eric John and Wayne Alden. He devoted the majority of his time to raising his family in Three Rivers, MI.It was there that he worked for Bendix in South Bend, IN and then GM Hydramatic in Three Rivers, MI. Being present for his family and all their activities was of great importance to him. It was for this reason he spent much of his time working third shift so he could be a part of his sons lives after they returned from school. As his sons grew older, he continued to work hard so that they would be able to go to college and remain debt free. When his boys had graduated, Dave took a GM transfer to Huntsville, AL where he hoped to eventually retire. Unfortunately, his wife, Helen, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease, and when she was unable to care for herself, he took an early retirement so he could be her primary caregiver. Anyone who witnessed Dave taking care of Helen during this time knew Dave’s character. A man of few words, he was faithful and self-sacrificing, making sure she had everything she needed. Eventually, Helen’s disease progressed to a point that she was unable to live at home and he had to make the difficult decision to move her to assisted living. This truly broke his heart. Knowing that family support was important, and that she needed care from people who treat others like family, he moved to White Sulphur Springs, MT and placed her in long term care at Mountainview Medical Center where his own mother, Rita, had lived before her passing. Helen passed to eternal life in 2010, and Dave remained in White Sulphur Springs. He spent his time hunting, fishing, building, playing poker and socializing at the local pubs. He also spent time traveling around the country with his camper visiting friends and family.Much of this time was spent with his sons and their families, enjoying all of their major life events. In addition to his boys and two brothers, Dave is survived by four grandchildren, Mara, Angela, Katherine and Rita Egeler. A private family burial is planned. A celebration of his life will take place this upcoming spring in White Sulphur. More information will follow.Everyone who knew Dave has a great story to tell about him. His family looks forward to hearing and sharing in these memories. Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com or be sent to Schnider Funeral Home, 1510 13th St South, Great Falls, MT 59405.Memorial tribute donations in his name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org