“For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain”. Elmer has gained Heaven and is now rejoicing with Jesus. He passed away due to complications related to Alzheimer’s disease and with Mary as his caregiver until the last three months.
Elmer was born on August 6, 1936 in Plevna, MT to Karl Heberle Sr. and Adeline Heimbuch Heberle. In 1939, at the ripe age of 3 years old the family moved to Custer, MT. He was raised in Custer with his 5 brothers and 2 sisters and they loved playing together. They were famous for playing “poor man’s baseball” with broomsticks and bottle caps. Elmer attended school in Custer graduating in 1954. He excelled in basketball and other sports while working at the family business, Heberle and Sons.
In September, 1955 Elmer joined the military to serve his country. He returned to Custer and married his girl, Mary Buyse on December 6, 1957. To this union, 3 children were born. In 1960, the Heberle brothers bought the Ford dealership “Tepee Motors” in Forsyth, MT. Elmer’s and Ray’s families were the last of the brothers to move to Forsyth in 1967. In 1974, the “Happy Heberle Brothers” built a new building and changed the name to Heberle Ford. Elmer continued to work at the dealership until 1996 when he retired.
After retirement, Elmer and Mary often traveled with their children and grandchildren. Elmer loved children and he especially loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never missed sporting events, concerts or anything the grandchildren participated in. They were his pride and joy. He also volunteered in several community organizations and clubs but his heart was always with his family. Elmer was an amazing man with a great sense of humor and a heart of gold who loved people and they loved him. He will be forever missed by his family and friends.
Elmer was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brothers Erwin, Ray and Clarence and his sister, Lillian.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary, their son, Brent Heberle (Bobbee), daughters Candace Larson (Lance) and Rhonda Brauer (Dale) his brothers, Karl Heberle Jr. and Fred Heberle and his sister, Barbara Stevens. Elmer is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of a memorial, please take time and hug your family, Elmer always did.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, graveside services will be held for immediate family.
Viewing for friends will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020 from 10-7 PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Stevenson and Sons have been entrusted with arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday September 4, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday September 4, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Share
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
Mary and all of Elmer’s family,
Sorry for your loss! Elmer always had a smile for everyone! Know you are in our prayers!
Connie Brown says
Condolences to the Heberle family in the passing of Elmer. My grandparents always came to Heberle Ford to buy their vehicles from Elmer. He was a great person with a lot of caracter. Hold tight to your memories! May God bless you with peace in your hearts
Kay Crosby Dooley says
Mary, Brent, Candace, Rhonda and families. It’s with a smile and warm heart I remember Elmer. What a wonderful man, a family man for sure. You all are in my thoughts and prayers as you celebrate his life.
K
patsy houseman says
So sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. My dad Henry and Jennett Brey always purchased there cars from Elmer. Mary and all of Elmer’s family will be remembered in my prayers
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
Im so sorry for your loss, you all are in my thoughts and prayers
Tallent family. says
We are all so sorry to hear of Elmers passing. He was such a great guy to deal with and just chat with. We hope you can find some comfort in knowing your all in our thoughts and prayers at this time of grieving.
Monty & Sheila Haselhuhn says
Condolences to the entire Heberle family and the community of Forsyth. Elmer was a pleasant man whose smile made everyone feel comfortable. He will be greatly missed.
Mark Peterson says
To all of Elmer’s family…I have many wonderful memories of Elmer at the Ford dealership and he was one of Dad’s very long-time best friends. My condolences to all of you. I know you have many happy memories of him.
George and Kathy Fahrenbruck says
So sorry for your loss.
Sharon Borla says
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Elmer was always such a kind and fun-loving man. He will be missed for sure. My sincere sympathy and prayers for comfort to Mary and all of Elmer’s loved ones.
Vangie (Ant) Solis says
Elmer was a good Friend of My Daddy. When my Daddy needed a different car he would head to Forsyth to visit his Friends the Heberle Boys. Condolences to the Family of Elmer from Francis Ant’s surviving Daughter. RIP Uncle Elmer as he would tell me to call him.
Angela Killeen says
Candace, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. Sending love and prayers to and your family Your dad’s love and wisdom will live on forever.
Kevin and Angela Killeen
Brenda Dotson says
I so enjoyed visits with Elmer when he visited his Mom. Ever the gracious man with a heart of gold and a beautiful smile. I am so sorry for the loss of Elmer, may your memories bring you peace.
Brenda Dotson
Lori catalano says
Rest in peace Elmer
Kristi Doyle and Bill Gross says
So sorry to hear this, Elmer was such a gentle soul. Condolences to all the Heberle family.
Tom & Robin Shahan says
We are so sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone he met. Our thoughts and prayers are with the extended Heberle family.
Elaine Egeland says
Elmer was such a great guy! He sold me several vehicles and was always so kind. And after getting to know him, was such a bonus! His smile and sense of humor was priceless! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Arlen & Barbie Kirkaldie & Family says
To the Dear sweet Heberle family,
all our prayers are with you .
Elmer was so precious, we thank God for the blessing he was to us and so many others . Love you .
Joby and Bill says
RIP Elmer. You were always one of my favorite people! I loved your kind, gentle, sweet and friendly personality. This community is going to miss you greatly.
Mary and family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs! Bill and Joby Parker
Marilyn Watson-Dorn says
I sat in Elmer’s office with my Dad and ordered my very first new car. He made it a fun experience! What a great man.
Condolences to the entire family.
Walter lloyd says
I always enjoyed talking to Elmer whether it was about cars or the weather. He will be surly be missed.
Rest In Peace my friend .
May God bless you all at this time and always.
Wendy Dennehy says
Candace and Lance,
We are so sorry to hear this! Your dad was a special guy. Keeping your family in our prayers! Cherish all the memories.
Neil and Wendy
Clark Fletcher says
Very saddened by the news of Elmer’s passing! Have many great memories of the times I spent with Elmer, talking business, playing 10 1/2 at the Blue Spruce or hunting on Otter Creek. If you didn’t laugh when Elmer was around, there was something wrong with you! My condolences to Mary and the entire Heberle family! He was a hell‘ of a guy!
Rick Davis says
Love you guys and understand the pain your going through. Also rejoicing that we will meet him again soon.
Lance Larson says
41 years ago today, Elmer gave his daughter away to me. They say “time flies when you’re having fun”. Elmer helped make the years fly by because he was so much fun to be with. There’s not enough space here to share all the ways he made us laugh but we have shared many of them over the last few days. He was without question the best father-in-law a man could ask for and I am going to miss him dearly.
Bugs and Loni Hartman says
Mary and Family: We are so very very sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. There are not enough words to say how much of a kind and gentle man he always was. I knew him since I was a young girl and he was always good to me. I will never forget that big grin. Our hearts go out to you all. May God help heal your broken hearts in time. God bless you all. Buggs and Loni Hartman
Butch and Charlys Schulenberg says
Mary and Family: I know Elmer is up there joking and having fun with His great Friends that got to Heaven first . A good well liked Man. I know He will be Greatly missed. May He Rest In Peace🌹
Bob and Mary Ann Whitehead says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bob and Mary Ann Whitehead
Pam Hanson says
So sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and loved his sense of humor. My thoughts will be with in your trying time.
Sincerely
Pam Hanson
Vicki Stevens says
I so enjoyed working with Elmer and the Happy Heberle Brothers all those years. I’m sure Elmer and Duane Purkett have found their new Blue Spruce Cafe in which to solve all the problems of the world.
Deepest condolences to Mary, Brent, Candace, Rhonda and all their families. May our Lord hold you all gently in the palm of His hand as you pass through this storm of grief.
Velma Leary-Grba says
My sincere condolences to all of the Heberle family. Mr Heberle “Elmer” will truly be missed.
Sharon I. DeFluri says
To Candace, Lance and the Heberle Family
We are sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing! John often talks about the first time he met Elmer and the joke that was played on him while he was sitting in the restaurant in Forsyth. Elmer stated that there was damage to a car in the parking lot and described John’s rental car. John’s Italian mindset calmed down after being told it was a joke and Elmer and John became friends and laughed a lot. He was an excellent human being and true gentleman.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and Sharon DeFluri from Pennsylvania
Mitchell West and family says
Condolences to the entire Heberle family. Such a wonderful family. I remember going into Heberle Ford with my dad and visiting with Elmer who always had such a wonderful smile and personality. Rest in Peace Elmer, we will all see each other again. Peace be with you all.
CORRY AND BETTY MORDEAUX says
What a generous man and so proud of his family. Mary, you were his special and dearly loved wife and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Dinny and Cindy Bennett says
Mary, Candace, Rhonda, Brent and all your families. We are so sorry to hear about Elmer’s passing. What a wonderful man and he was so proud of his grand and great grand kids! Elmer made his mark in this entire area with his generous and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless!
Julie Cross says
Mom is so sorry she cannot be with all of you. Mary Louise, she sends her sympathy to you especially. We are happy that Elmer is free and no longer burdened or in pain. It has been a very hard road for you all and we love you so much.
Mary (Gladys) Taylor, Bob, Julie and Joey Cross
Dan and Gigi Batie says
We are so sorry for your loss of Elmer’s smiling face. But are rejoicing with you all in his gain. No more pain, no more suffering, just JESUS. He was one of the kindest men we ever knew and we will all miss him. We Love you all and our hearts and prayers are with you during this toughest of times..Dan and Gigi
neva shipp says
Mary and family , we are so sorry about your lost , have been thinking of your loss and know he will be miss by all , You all have been in our thought and prayers, just going over the times we have been together in the years we have been friends. Rest in peace Elmer The Shipps will miss you.
Diana Robinette says
Sending my condolences to the Heberle family, I have heard many stories of the Heberle boys and my dad the Potts boy when they were in Custer, remember the fun times together and sending Gods blessings to you.
Ken Treib says
Im so sorry for your loss of Elmer.
Rita and Bill FitzGerald says
Elmer DID NOT CHEAT at cards!! He and Carl Roll, Bob Adams, And Larry Cox are sitting at a round table playing as we speak!! What a gratuitous, kind gentleman! Mary and all Elmer’s family, you are in my prayers🙏
Yvonne Becker says
My sincere condolences go out to all of the family. He will be greatly missed by not only his loved ones but the whole community. He always had a smile and greeted you. He and Mary were the best neighbors to my late parents, Warren and Dorothy Becker. He and my father had much in common, being business men, and were active in several local organizations. Many of my family members and siblings were steady customers when they needed a new vehicle or truck! R.I.P.
vonnie becker
Laura Monasmith says
Our prayers are with you all. No nicer man ever lived. Laura Kron Monasmith and Cliff Monasmith
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
Mary, Brent, Candace , Rhonda and all the families, we are so sorry for your loss. Elmer was a very kind man. He always loved to visited and had a smile on his face. He will be missed. Love, Hugs and Prayers!
Toynette Rolston says
I read the condolence letters and I hope all of you can find comfort in the compliments from people who knew him and recognized the enjoyment he brought, his character and the truly good person who was Elmer. He gave much to his family and the community
Harry and Diana Goodwin says
Sending condolences to the family. May you find peace and comfort in all the memories you made.
George & Janet Becker says
For 40 years I purchased vehicles from Heberle Ford, I always dealt with Elmer until he retired, then I dealt with Brent. Now I could have went anywhere to purchase my vehicles, but you just couldn’t get the same kind of service anywhere else. Every time I went to test out a vehicle the joking around always made the deal special and it always started out with me telling them to sharpen up their pencils. Elmer was a great person anytime I saw him and he never changed anywhere I saw him, he was always the same Elmer.
He was a great man and he will be missed by my family as well as many others.
RIP Elmer
HOLLY TOENJES says
Dear Mary, Brent, Candace and Rhonda, I was so saddened to hear the news of Elmer’s passing. I enjoyed the video montage, a true stroll down memory lane, it brought back many happy memories! While it is hard to imagine a life without Elmer in it, I truly hope that your many memories and shared experiences with him will help to sustain you during this difficult time. I wish we could all be together to share laughter, tears and hugs. Alas, that is not to be at this time….
Take comfort in knowing that I am thinking of you all…
Holly (Heberle) Toenjes
Rosie and Craig Steinbach says
Mary and family, we are so sorry to hear that our beloved Elmer has passed. We will always remember him for his kindness and beautiful smile. Our prayers and our love are with you in this difficult time and may God be with you.
Dave n Donna Lloyd says
Never was a person with a greater sense of humor and such a fun lover. Donna and I loved our get- togethers. Forsyth will not be the same for his passing. He will be sorely missed. R.I.P. Elmer. Condolences to Mary and family.
Joe and Loy Martens says
Brent, Candice and families,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May good memories get you through this time.
You’re in our prayers.
VIOLET SCHIFFER says
Dear Mary and families. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss of Elmer. He was always a gentlemen and always wore a smile. Elmer was quite the salesman and through the years sold me several vehicles, including two new T-birds. And I was a Mercury gal!! Always think of the good times. My prayers are with you. Vi (Keeler) Schiffer.
Ron and Jeanne Bender says
Mary and family, so sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. Such a nice man and good friend to Ron. Many great Custer memories. Keeping you all in our thoughts.
Rob Shipley says
Elmer was, in all regards and in all respects, one of the men in my life, MOST LIKE Jesus. An angel from eternity who lived a full life in Montana treating everyone with utmost respect and a complete love.
All my love, “Ship”
Rob Smith says
Elmer was one of the nicest people you would ever want to know! Worked around him since I was a kid and always respected the HEBERLE way of doing things in the auto world. Many thanks for knowing him and his whole family!
God bless!!
John and Shirley Hegel says
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to the Heberle family. We enjoyed Elmer so much. Hold onto the memories he gave all of you.
Denny & Betsy Reinke says
Elmer was such a great friend, he would always make you feel special. Thanks for the memories.
Arlene Anderson Warren says
Mary, I am so sorry to learn of your loss from your sister. May Elmer rest in Peace and you and your family are in my thoughts. I haven’t seen or talked with either of you since we were in school together. Friends forever.
Elsie and Bill Schye says
Mary and family
So sorry for your loss. Elmer was a wonderful person and a great business man. Our condolences and prayers to you and your family.
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Heberle Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Elmer always met you with a smile and a firm handshake. Enjoyed visiting with Elmer.
NEL L Buck says
Dearest Mary & family,
So sorry to hear of Elmers passing.We all loved him. I have thought of all of you often. IWould love to hear from you
Sending you much love
You friend,
NEL Buck
Scott Jens and Sue Jens says
We will all miss Elmer, I purchased a few cars from him, when I was teaching in Miles City, he was always good and easy to get along with, and I always came away feeling I got a good deal from him. One night on the way home from Billings, I had purchased an old Chevy tahoe to fix up, and it died on me in the dark 40 some miles out of Forsyth. I did not know what to do, so I called Elmer, and he arranged a tow for me into his shop to find out what was wrong. Found out it was a disconnected wire to the alternator, got it put back on, and I was on my way home, he did not charge me a penny for his service, that is the type of man he was. I will miss him. Condolences from Sue and I to the family.
Marcy Stabler Parks says
Candace, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My heart goes out to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m very thankful that you know you’ll be together with him again! Cherish the memories while you wait for that beautiful day!
Bill Mandeville says
God bless the Heberly family. My thoughts&prayers!!
Bill Mandeville says
I had the good fortune of knowing& working with the Heberly family,my thoughts& prayers to all!!
Marcus Glenn belgarde says
Sorry for your loss Marie
Mary Roig says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My mom is Ellen WallinSmith. We just found out about the loss of your loved one. My grandmother was Margaret wallin. God be with your family .
Joe and Carolyn Wilson says
When you needed a smile, you could always go to Elmer. Whether he was at work, in meetings, or on the golf course. You would soon have a smile on your face that was a reflection of Elmer’s. I still recall him in the referee shirt, with a white cane, on the basketball court during halftime. You are home, now, Elmer. Enjoy your family.