Herbert W. Larson passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at the Billings Clinic Hospital due to complications from COVID-19. He was 92 years old. At the time of his death, Herbert was a resident of Canyon Creek Memory Care Center in Billings, MT.
Herbert was born on October 6, 1927, at the home of his parents Nyites S. (Ned) and Sophie Eissinger Larson in Watkins, MT (out of Brockway). He was the third of four children. He had two brothers, Leo and Wilber, and one sister Helen (Dusty).
Elementary school was completed in Brockway, and he graduated from Circle High School in 1946. He attended Montana State University in Bozeman for a year and then went back to help his father with the family farm/ranch.
On August 25, 1960, he married a little school teacher named Helen Schneider. They met on a blind date. While Helen was teaching elementary school in Pryor and Bridger, Herbert attended college at Eastern Montana College in Billings. He graduated from Eastern on June 5, 1963 with a Bachelors of Science in Secondary Education with a major in Social Science and a minor in English.
In 1964, Hebert and Helen returned to the Brockway/Circle area where they had a family farm. Over the next 30 years, Herbert and Helen raised two children, Don Larson of Brockway and Kay Fleischer of Washington. Herbert was an active member of the Brockway/Circle community. He was a member of the library and school boards and was a Mason. He believed in community service and volunteering.
In the late 70’s, Herbert applied for and was accepted by the Kellogg Foundation to be part of a Montana Education Leadership Development Association (MELDA). Members of this group were from all different areas and professions within Montana. For the first two years, this group traveled throughout the United States on a grant from the Kellogg Foundation. The purpose for this group was to explore, learn, and see new ideas in other parts of the United State and then take, change, develop, and shared these ideas within their local communities.
After two years the Kellogg grant money ran out, but the MELDA group Herbert belonged to decided keep meeting and traveling for the next 40 plus years. Since the group was formed for the purpose of educational and leadership development, they always had a day of education planned. They would tour towns, buildings, mines, dams, museums, schools, Hutterite communities, parks, zoos, wineries, and distilleries; they panned for gold, went to chokecherry festivals, car shows, anything they thought would be interesting and educational.
Several times Herbert hosted this group in Miles City. He took them to the Evelyn Cameron Galley and Museum in Terry and went out and looked at the area she photographed. They also went to Fort Keogh, the Range Rides Museum, and one time to Medora for the summer show. Herbert said getting involved with this group was one of the best things he ever did.
In 1996, Herbert and Helen retired to Miles City. Herbert immediately became involved with the local Senior Citizen Center. He was the President or Vice President for 14 years. At the Senior Center, he ran the Saturday bingo games, took the money for the dances and dinners, played cards and pool. Herbert and Helen also traveled extensively in the United States. They really enjoyed the tours they took with Helen’s brother Bob and his wife Kathy.
Herbert loved to play cards and pool. He had a regulation size pool table out in his shop in Miles City where many games were played. He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, the Elks, and Masons. His last volunteer job was playing pinochle at Holy Rosary Nursing Home once a week.
Herbert love to read. He could always be found with at least one daily newspaper and several magazines at his side. He was an avid worker of the daily crossword puzzles. He loved listening to piano and accordion music.
Hebert was preceded in death by his wife Helen, brothers, Wilbur, and Leo Larson and sister Dusty Eichler, nephew Gregg Eichler, and niece Cheryl Jensen. Surviving are his son Don Larson of Brockway, and daughter Kay Fleischer of Washington; two nephews Thomas Larson and Jack Larson and one niece Leslie Bentz.
After Herbert had weed wacked the rose bush, chives, parsley and tulips, my mom, Helen, said, “That damn old man. 70 plus years of farming and he still can’t tell a weed from a flower.” In lieu of flowers, please give to your local library, senior citizen center, veteran’s organization or your favorite local charity.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the Brockway Cemetery. Please bring a lawn chair. A sack lunch will follow the service.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Makenna Kirkland says
I had the pleasure of taking care of Herb (Herbie) while he was at Cottonwood Care Home in Miles City. He was a very special resident. We shared many laughs and stories together. He will be greatly missed.
Kay, you’re in my thoughts <3
Annie Tillery Waldow says
I visited occasionally with Herb when he was at Cottonwood Care. He was moved to Canyon Creek shortly before my mother was also moved there. I never made the connection that he was the father of Don and Kay. My thoughts are with his family at this time; this is a difficult and confusing time to deal with loss.
Roxanna Brush says
Prayers to Herbs family. He was an amazing man. My father sends his thoughts and prayers also. Let god hold you in his arms, You will meet again in Heaven
joann daeley says
I am so sorry to hear about Herb passing. He was such a kind man and always a gentleman. I played cards with him at the Sr Center and at Holy Rosary. My most sincere sympathies to the family.
Greg Berger says
DL and Kay,
I’m truly sorry for hearing of your father’s passing. I remember Herb always had something wise to say that would make you think. My thoughts are with you both at this time.
Jenny Hickox says
You will be missed Herb. We love you very much. Go rest high on that mountain. Our prayers are with the family and friends. Much love to you all ❤ Jenny Hickox & family ” South Carolina”
Mary Kasten says
So sorry for your loss. Just another soul from Watkins community gone. Herbie was quite a worker.
Jere Sullivan says
What a great way to remember his live.
Sorry for ;your life.
Jere and Alexina Sullivan Spokane Wash.
Georgia Sweten says
Sorry to hear about your loss your parents and my parents were such good neighbors before retirement and after retirement May the friendship rest in peace 💐
Marlene Johnson Turner says
Don and Kay so very sorry for the loss of your dad. Prayers!
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Kay, sorry for your loss. You were an incredible care giver to your dad.
Holly Franklin says
I am so sorry for your loss Don & Kay. I will miss his wisdom n the knowledge he gave me every Thursday during our crossword puzzle time. Honestly I don’t know where we go when our time here is done, but he taught me more than I expected.
Denise (Strand) Stambaugh says
Condolences to the Larson families. Prayers!