Gertrude Violet (Hirsch) Fisher, (Gertie/Gert) Age 93, passed away at the BeeHive Home-North Assisted Living in Helena MT. Gertie was born during the Great Depression on April 18, 1932, at Crow Rock, MT to Jacob and Anna (Redman) Hirsch. She was the ninth child of ten children. The family moved to Miles City in 1937 where Gertie attended school through 1949. On September 10, 1949, she and James (Jim) Herzog were married. To this union were born two children, Marlys “Pixie” in 1950 and Donald “Donnie” in 1952. The marriage later dissolved leaving Gertie a single mother until she met and married Robert (Bob) Fisher on September 9, 1964.
Gert was never afraid of hard work. When her children were young, she and friend, Freda Turley, ran a small bakery on Main Street called the Spudnut Shop. She also worked in food service at the U.S. Air Force Radar Base and then spent several years working at the Miles City Steam Laundry. In the late 70s she and her close friend, Rosa Ibarra owned the Big Sky Cleaners for seven years. Gertie then worked managing the busy food deli at the new K-Mart store. For fifteen years, she did what she did BEST – serving food, greeting people and making them feel welcome. A turn for the worse came in June of 1990. While at work, Gertie sustained third degree burns when the hot oil from the fryer spilled on her upper legs. The healing process was long, extremely painful and very disabling.
Gert and Bob’s thirty six years together were spent on their place in the Yellowstone Valley where they grew corn and ran a feedlot where they fed cattle and sheep. In addition to cooking and serving the public, Gertie’s culinary skills were so great that she would be up early everyday and prepare meals at the farmhouse for Bob and the “feedlot crew” to eat in her absence. One of the men wrote in her 80th birthday guestbook that “he liked to work weekends at the feedlot just to eat Gertie’s “holiday-like” meals”!
For many years Gert and Bob enjoyed bowling with their friends at the Red Rock Lanes and occasionally they took trips to the National Bowling Tournaments in Reno, NV. Another fun time for Gertie was when she and Freda took a two week trip to Germany, a trip of a lifetime for Gert. The Hirsch family reunions & Easter holidays were always great times with lots of laughs and fun times we can never forget. Gertie’s long recovery from her burns forced her into early retirement and as she was getting better, Bob’s health began to decline. He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Gert cared for him until he passed away in January of 2000.
The feedlot, now inactive, was sold and Gertie moved to the Anderson Apartments on Airport Hill. This would be her cozy little home for the next twenty years. With more time on her hands, Gertie began volunteering for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW, Post 1579). Eventually she was elected as the Ladies’ Auxiliary President, a position she held for many years. Gert organized many meetings and loved attending the district conferences whenever it was possible. Gertie loved the people who volunteered with her as they were passionate about providing a welcoming gathering place for the community’s veterans and their families. She recruited both ladies and men to work together in making Luncheon Services, Friday-Hamburger Nights, Sunday-Steak n Eggs Breakfasts, and Friday-Fish Fry Nights successful fundraising endeavors, while at the same time promoting the patriotic, charitable and educational spirit of the Auxiliary. She and these close-knit volunteers also provided monthly visits to the VA home where they played BINGO and celebrated Birthdays with the residents.
Her enthusiasm kept her busy well into her late 80s until another unfortunate accident where her leg was crushed causing pressure wounds that eventually required surgery and a long time to heal. This weakened her body and necessitated a move to be closer to her children in Central Montana. In February of 2021 Gert moved into the Helena Assisted Living Facility where she was a popular and loved resident until her death in 2025. Her children, Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren were blessed to be able to spend time with her these last four years.
Gert is preceded in death by her Parents, her Husband, Bob Fisher, her Sisters , Edna (Al) Schmidt, Hilda (Emil) Fiechtner, Martha (Boyd) Finch, Ruth (Park) Thomas, her Brothers , Edwin (Hilda) Hirsch, Alfred (Eunice) Hirsch, and Theodore (Ruth) Hirsch, Brother-In-Law, George Fields, Sister-in-Law, Marge Hirsch, special friend, Bud Gierke and several nieces and a nephew.
She is survived by her Sister, Ruby Fields (Covington, WA), her Brother, Elmer Hirsch (Billings, MT), her Children, Marlys (Dan) Healy (Bozeman, MT), Donald (Patty) Herzog (Helena, MT), Step-children, Barbara (Ted) Manor (Burton, MI), and Bill (Candi) Fisher (Santa Rosa, CA), Grandchildren, Jay Healy (Moab, UT), Brad Herzog (Helena, MT), Jen (Matt) Hoskins (Bozeman, MT), Brooke Herzog (Kerry) (Boise, ID), Jaylene Tennant (Helena, MT) and her Great-grandchildren, Kellen, Hayes, Peyson, and Vida, Goddaughter and niece, Donna Herzog (San Mateo, CA), Great-niece, Marlene Watt (Miles City, MT), Special nephew, Dennis (Meri) Hirsch (Miles City, MT), and many more nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and close friends. Gertie loved ALL of you and she cherished the many cards, letters, phone calls and visits while she lived in Helena.
GG (Grandma Gert), you will always live within our hearts!
If so desired, in lieu of flowers a donation in Gert’s memory may be sent to:
VFW Auxiliary Post 1579
Attn: Patty Hubble
119 N 6th St., Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 30, 2025
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 30, 2025
United Christian Church
1006 S. Strevell Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Celebration of Life
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Friday May 30, 2025
VFW Hall
119 N. 6th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 30, 2025
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 30, 2025
United Christian Church
1006 S. Strevell Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Celebration of Life
Immediately following the Memorial Service
Friday May 30, 2025
VFW Hall
119 N. 6th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Vikki Bradley says
To Gert’s family, I am so sorry to see this. I first met Gert back in 1979, she was the manager of the grill at K-Mart and I was the assistant manager. We had so much fun and laughs back at the grill. She taught me so much. I would see her often thru out the years. May she rest in peace. 🙏 😇
Diane Welbes says
So sorry to hear this–she was so wonderful in having students write essays for the vets. SOme of my students received $ and Gert was responsible for allowing thewm to be a part of that. Thoughts and prayers.
Terri Schmitz Fandrich says
Oh, sweet Gertie, we’ve missed you so much since you moved.
She was always so kind, always a smile, kind word, and huge hug. RIP dear lady.
Donna TLeitholt-Taylor says
To Gert’s family I am so sorry for your loss
Jan Dinardi says
Get was the most amazing lady. I played cards with her at the VFW every week. Everyone loved her. She will surely be missed. My prayers go out to her family and deepest sympathy.
Colette Butcher says
I am so happy to have known Gert. We spent many hours doing activities at the VFW with her. She was such a fun person to be around. May she now rest in peace.
Randy stanhope says
So sorry to hear of Gerts passing she was such a kind sweet lady prayers for the family
Wendy Leidholt says
Doug & I will truly miss this wonderful lady. She was always there with a smile, and sometimes with a well deserved smart-alek remark. Our deepest sympathies to her family.
Dori says
Gert was a very special lady. She had the kindest soul. I will always remember her for her loving heart ♥ and helping everyone that crossed her path. My heart is sad but I know we all gained an Angel. May you rest in peace Gert. You will be missed.
Maureen Larson says
To Gert’s family,
So sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deb Bickel says
Oh Gertie Girl, you and my mother were two peas in a pod in the kitchen at the VFW. You and mom are now in heaven cooking together again. Rest in Peace dear lady.
carol hirsch says
Gertie you will be so missed. I know I will miss you tremendously. Give Alfred my love and tell him I miss him! My thought and prayers go out to all the family.
Bill Gierke says
Don and Pixie, I was so saddened to hear of Gert’s passing. She was an important part of our family. I missed seeing her on my trips to Miles City after she moved to Helena. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Charles Nelson says
Gert thanks for everything and keep on steakin on sunday mornings. I miss and love you.
Charles Nelson says
Gert thanks for everything and keep on steakin on sunday mornings. I miss and love you. Alex
Patty Ward says
Don, Patti, and Pixie, and Family,
I am saddened to learn about Gerts passing. Gert was so involved with my family. I missed Gert after she moved.
Gert was such a beautiful person, she was ” grandma Gert ” to my grandson and granddaughter. Gert was a good friend, my life was enriched when I met her.
Rest in Peace Gert. 🙏😇
Karen Taylor says
Bob and Gert were great friends to my parents and she was a sweetheart, they are probably dancing in heaven. My sympathy to her family
wes malenovsky says
WE KNOWN GERT FOR YEARS WILL MISS YOU GOD BLESS / RIP
Alane Stabler says
My deepest condolences! Gert was a wonderful hard working woman with grit. She had a kind heart and cared for others.
She will be missed
Jan Ronning says
What a talented and hard working lady. My condolences to her family.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with with family.
Diane Grutkowski says
To Gert’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. Gert was one of my favorite people. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was so full of spunk. What a hard worker and always on the go. Just a lovely lovely lady.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
I remember how hard Aunt Gertie worked. She could make the best meal anywhere she was, at the VFW or at home. She always made you feel wanted. She was beautiful inside and out. I loved seeing her when all the brothers and sisters got together, she loved those times and made them special. We will miss her.
PEGGY ANN MILLER says
Donnie and Patty, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m thinking of you both during this time. Moms are pretty special.
Janet Klein says
Pixie and Gert’s family…my heart hurts for all of you! Your mom was the glue to the VFW for years! She was a great friend to my mom, a wonderful cook and most importantly she was your mom! She will be missed!
Johna Wilcox says
Dear Donnie and Patty-
So so sorry to hear of Gert’s passing. Marty talked of her often and such fond memories. Sending love during this difficult time.
J
ronald lala says
I will always remember Gert and always the visits we had o matter where we were. Gertrude was one of those that would stop would stop anyway just to say hello. May she RSP. She will always be remembered and loved by all who knew her.
Lorna Niles says
So sorry for the loss of this branch of this tree…
Miss Gertie, I loved working with you at the VFW! You n mom, Pat, can sit n visit some more.. love you Lady, you’re one of a kind! Rest now…
Dennis and Meri says
Aunt Gertie was not only our precious aunt, she was a friend, confidant, most caring, loving, honest, true human being anyone could ever know. We loved and honored her and will forever have the fondest memories. May you rest in peace our most precious soul, you will never be forgotten.
Carol & Warren Schuetzle says
So very sorry for your loss to Gert’s family’s and friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Greatest and sweetest lady’s ever that I’ve ever known.
She such awesome lady plus a great cook at Kmart and VFW. I worked in few different departments at Kmart and got to know Gert very well and glad to call her a great friend.
Loved her and going to miss getting a Gertie hug, and flirting with my hubby Warren and she just giggle.
Rest in peace sweetest lady ever. 🙏💞🙏💞🙏💞
Carol and Warren Schuetzle
William Fisher says
Gerti. Say hello to RD on the other side. You were a great partner is his ranching adventures for a mere 36 years. Our head cook in the farming adventures in the Yellowstone valley when Donnie and I were driving the trucks hauling the silage corn from the field. May God’s spirit wash over you now that you have completed your earthy duties,
Julie Kaufman says
I loved Gert! She was an integral part of the VFW long before she moved to the tiltin Hilton! I remember her and her crew cooking and organizing back in the 90’s. We also did some chicken butchering and lamb slaughter out at her and Bob’s house. Always on the go and a wonderful cook!
Rest in peace, Dear, you deserve it! ❤️❤️❤️