Ben Herzog, 93, of Knowlton, passed away Monday, September 18, 2017 at his ranch.
Benjamin Theodore Herzog was born May 1, 1924 in Miles City, MT to John and Elsa (Eichenberger) Herzog, the third of eight children. He was raised on the family dairy in Yellowstone Valley, and at a young age, he learned a strong work ethic; milking cows and helping deliver milk before school for the Herzog’s Miles City Dairy. He went to Kircher School and graduated from Custer Co High School in 1942, the smallest guy in his senior class. Then he enlisted in the Navy, and it grew him up to be the tallest Herzog. He went to Naval school in Seattle, before shipping out on the USS Idaho during World War II and his ship was hit off Japan, so D Day was special to him!
Ben came back home to later meet the love of his life, Leona Mae Wildman. He had to wait for her to turn 18 and graduate, and they were married on May 23, 1948 in Miles City. They honeymooned to Alaska in a Pontiac car, pulling a pop-up camper. They ran out of money due to unforeseen breakdowns, so Ben worked for a while at a sawmill, and still needed his Dad to wire them money to get home. They returned back to Yellowstone Valley to the family farm, where they started their family: Patricia Carol, Roger Allen, and Monte Lee.
In the fall of 1955, they bought the Finch ranch at Knowlton for $12.50 an acre, and Grandpa John sold him cows for $85. Monte was only 3 months old, when Ben moved his bride from a modern home to a ranch house with coal heat, no electricity or running water, but Leona was back where she grew up. Old timers said there was no way that would work! With lots of hard work and a good business mind, they survived the drought years from 1955-1961 and Ben had to put up hay in Miles City some years.
In 1972, they leased the Wildman ranch and bought it in 1984. In 1977, Ben, Leona and Monte became Herzog and Son, Inc. and Ben and Leona continued to ranch with their youngest son, Monte and family. They always enjoyed having the grandkids a week at a time at the ranch in the summers, and everyone loved the Sunday dinners and card parties with all the family and many friends. Dad was always proud to take everyone for rides in the back of the pickup to show them the ranch and the beautiful views and wildlife. Hunting season was a special time, as were the motorcycle rides with Grandpa.
Ben T. always loved his ranch life, motor biking, hunting, fishing, the special elk hunts at Harley’s, and he was hard to beat at any game of cards! He loved challenging his grandkids at cribbage, and just a month ago, he showed niece, Tricia Lee, how it’s done! He loved his family and he surely will be missed.
In retirement, he got to stay in his home in the country, and he still checked on cows and their water on his 4-wheeler, and took his doggies for a ride, nearly every day, weather permitting. He loved reading, FOX news, and kept up on all the latest politics and news with his sharp mind. In the last 10 years, he shared lots of war stories with Jay Woods that he never told the rest of us.
He is survived by Monte & Pat Herzog, Patsy & Mike Davis, and grandchildren: Marla Gibson, Dusty Davis, Jody Fiechtner, Jenny Ketchum, Randy Herzog, Ryan Herzog, Tammy Herzog, Jennifer Denby, Kaci Woods and Joe Herzog, and greats: Shyln, Olivia, Devon, Matthew- Carson, Reid, Brianna, Ashtyn, Blake, Lucas – Braedon, Jacob, Zoey & Sadie. Also, brother, Paul and sister, Irma.
He was preceded in death by wife, Leona; son, Roger; his parents; and siblings, Menga, John C, Ruth, Larry and Sharon.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church. Interment will follow in the Knowlton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Knowlton Cemetery Fund in Ben’s name.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday September 22, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday September 23, 2017
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday September 22, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday September 23, 2017
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Karl Drga says
Our family has many fond memories of Ben from playing cards to getting to visit with him on the road when he would come by on his Honda Trail bike to check up on the neighborhood. You are all in our thoughts and prayers prayers.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Patsy and Monte, Sorry to read of your dad’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shannon Holmen says
I always enjoyed visiting with this soft spoken friend. my prayers.
Martha Crandall says
MY SYMPATHY
Sherry Oster says
To all of Ben’s family;
My deepest condolences in the loss of such a great man. I have many fond memories of spending time at the Herzog home. Thinking of and praying for all of you.
Ruben and June Opp says
To all of Bens Family, We are so sorry to hear of Ben’s passing, He was a very special man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all . May God bless and comfort you all during this difficult time and the days ahead.
Ruben and June Opp
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Sandy and Pat Anderson says
Our deepest sympathy to the Herzog family! Being “next door” neighbors at Knowlton, They are like family to all of us Andersons. Ben will be truly missed. Love and prayers to all.
Toni Herzog Fink says
When I think of Uncle Ben, I think of serene, gentle humored and companionable. (Except in politics) I love the portrayal of his life in this obit. My thoughts are with you all. Wish I could be there.
Lisa Bastian says
Know of my Thoughts & Prayers for Your Father & Your Wonderful Family.
Aaron and Mollie Phipps and family says
He will always be someone whom I will miss when I travel that road to Knowlton, you never knew when he would pop up on his motorbike! Sorry for your loss, Heaven truly gained and angel!
Doug and Kelli Klein says
Patsy and family, our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with you during this difficult time.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Our sincere sympathy. Ben was a fun guy and he will be missed. Great memories.
Sally Selle says
Herzog’s and Davis’ Families, I am so sorry about your Dad! Sending hugs and prayers your way!
Randy and Kathi Pfeifle says
Patsy and Mike,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you during this difficult time.
Marjorie (Huffman) Smith says
Uncle Ben was a memorable Montana character — For years I have been fondly quoting him on subjects such as how to crack black walnuts and whether it’s worth the trouble, or the relative value of giant cylindrical hay bales versus the standard size “a man can buck by himself.” My love and sympathy are with you, Patsy and Mike, Monte and Pat and your families.
Menga(Betsy) Huffman_Miller says
I have many memories of Uncle Ben. We were at family reunion and I was taking pictures. All of the sudden everything went black through the viewer when I realized Ben had put cap back on lens so I would not take his picture. I loved going out to Ben’s place. Also remember the stories of him climbing trees to get turkeys and jumping out of tree to bulldog a deer. He was a great uncle to all his many neices and nephews. He will be missed by many.
George and Patcee Bundy says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family
Bonnie. Curt, Patsy and Toby - Jeanne. says
It was a comfort in knowing that there was still a Knowlton Dad in the hills. Someone who shared our personal history in ways too numerous to list. He was our “go to” man for the moisture content in the latest snowfall, and always a reliable good visit. The “Ben-isms” will continue to be used by our family. …such as “it’s just money” when lamenting a financial loss. “Poor folks have poor ways”. We’re wishing that someone would have recorded the entire collection. He was proof that you don’t have to lead a noisy life to leave a positive example, for he was above all a loyal and faithful friend.
Marlys Herzog Healy says
Ben will be missed . Patsy and Monte, you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. The memories will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Alexandra (Sandie) Herzog, Norman Okla says
From: Sandie Herzog (sister-in-law). Ben was always good company. Larry & I loved their place out at Knowton. Ben & Leona always put on quite a feed for us. Ben was a gentle soul w/ a quiet sense of humor. Think their ranch out in Knowlton was a “good fit” for Ben & Leona. Will always have the fond memories of Ben.
Beth Murray says
We will miss Uncle Ben and are so glad that he lived a long life and was active and at home on his ranch at the end. We are blessed that my mom Sandie, daughter Rylee, and I saw him at the recent reunion at the Herzog ranch. My dad Larry shared Ben’s love of cards and cribbage :). We looked forward every year to getting a card and handwritten response to our Christmas letter from Ben. Rest In Peace Ben and we pray that you have a wonderful family reunion in heaven. Much love from us – Beth, Dylan, and Rylee Murray ?
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
So very sorry for your loss yet again. You have my thoughts and sincere sympathy in this loss of your Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather and mutual friend. This has surely been a tough year for all of your family.
Mary Snell says
My sincere sympathies.
Jack & Sandy O'Brien says
Dear Patsy & Mike, Our sincere sympathy at the passing
Of your fathe . May memories of good times together
bring a smile to your face. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Jack & Sandy O’Brien
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Monte,Pat,and family
Our deepest sympathy at your loss. Ben was such a nice person, he kept me on my toes with his sense of humor,I was never sure if he was kidding me or not. His death will be a big loss to the community.
Marty and Jeanette