With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Karl Heberle, who left this world peacefully of natural causes on the afternoon of July 1 at the age of 92.
Karl was the most humble, loving, and hardworking man we knew. He lived his life with quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and a profound devotion to family. Never one to seek recognition or accolades, he let his actions speak for themselves. The life he built and the way he treated others left a lasting impact – one that resonated far beyond words.
Born in Plevna, MT, on October 23, 1932, to Karl and Adeline Heberle, he was the fifth of eight children. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work, a principle he carried with him throughout his life. Whether working long hours to support his family or lending a helping hand to a friend, he gave of himself fully and without hesitation. His humility and dedication earned the deep respect of all who knew him.
Karl and his brothers owned and operated a family-run Ford dealership, a cornerstone of Forsyth that remains to this day. Through that business, he not only built a livelihood but also forged lasting relationships rooted in trust, fairness, and friendship. His dedication and work ethic left a lasting impression on everyone who walked through the doors. Karl served as President of the Montana Automobile Dealers Association in his younger years. He was also immensely proud of his years of service on the Forsyth Fire Department and Forsyth City Council.
He had a deep love for aviation and found both peace and purpose in the skies. He often took to the air in his cherished Cessna 182 (N735QK), where he felt at home.
An avid golfer, Karl was rarely happier than with a club in hand, enjoying the course with his many friends. Over the years, he achieved the rare and enviable feat of eight holes-in-one – a testament to his skill and passion for the game. He was also a devoted sports fan who rarely missed a St Louis Cardinals game, a Griz football Saturday, or a NASCAR race – especially when his longtime favorite, Bill Elliott, was behind the wheel.
To know him was to admire him. To be loved by him was a true gift. We will miss his wisdom, his warmth, and the quiet way he made everything better just by being present. To his family, he was our rock – a steady, grounding presence in a changing world. He taught us the importance of patience, gratitude, and treating others with respect.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Adeline Heberle; his brothers Erwin, Ray, Clarence, and Elmer; and his sister Lillian.
He is survived by his loving wife Rosella, who has been by his side for 40 years; his daughters Karlene Berish (Jack) of Billings, MT, and Kelly Heberle of Dallas, TX; and his grandchildren Carson Berish (Milene) of San Diego, CA, Case Berish of Missoula, MT, Lauren Morales of New York City, NY, and Ryan Morales of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Stevens of Ripon, CA, and brother Fred Heberle of Forsyth, MT – along with his stepchildren Joanne Wahl of Long Beach, CA, and Tim Wahl of Bradenton, FL. Additionally, he leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews. Each of us will carry a piece of his heart and his enduring legacy.
The family would like to thank Karl’s good friend Tom Clifford, who was always there for him, and especially towards the end. Tom was Karl’s “go to” guy for anything. Karl especially enjoyed the multiple times Tom took him flying in “their” Cessna. Also thanks to his nephew Brent, who always made time to check in on Karl and often included him on road trips, which he loved.
Memorials can be made to the Rosebud Community Hospital, where staff there always treated Karl with kindness and respect; the Forsyth Country Club; the Forsyth Fire Department; or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of his life will be held on September 19 at 1 p.m. at the Forsyth Country Club, a place he loved dearly. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Karl by performing a simple act of kindness for someone in need – just as he would have done.
He taught us that strength comes from kindness, that success is born of hard work, and that life is best lived with gratitude and grace. While we are heartbroken to lose him, we are incredibly grateful to have had him in our lives.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 pm
Friday September 19, 2025
Forsyth Country Club
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 pm
Friday September 19, 2025
Forsyth Country Club
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Beverly Nile says
I bought my first car from Karl when I was a teenager, and quite a few since, he was the guy to go to! Karl, you will be missed by so many. RIP
Curt & Cathy says
Rest in peace, my friend. You will be dearly missed by many.
Kurt Seward says
Karl rest in peace my friend and play a round or 2 of golf with my dad in heaven. I enjoyed our time on the fire department together. Karl was one of the nicest people I had the privilege to be friends with he will be missed by all.
Colette Pedder Butcher says
So sorry to see this. Rest in peace Uncle Karl.
Bill and Rita FitzGerald says
Always prepared for a game of10 1/2 with his little jar of quarters. Always a gentleman with a smile that lit up the surroundings! Even through the sadness we feel at the empty spot at the table, we know in our hearts that the time comes to accept that God has waited long enough to have his son home with him. So many will miss Karl and remember him with a tear and a smile!
LynnetteWatson says
Rest in peace your going to be missed my prayers are with the family at this time
Dwayne Albertson says
Thanks for the great memories, Karl. You and Otto really entertained me in the bowling alley. You certainly enjoyed sending me to the bar after every drink frame.
Great times with a great man. I’ll miss you.
My condolences to the Happy Heberle. family.
Joe & Jackie Schneidt says
We bought a 1967 ford mustang from Karl and more since, you will be missed by many.
He was a very fair man. He never forgot a face. R.I.P.
Joby Parker says
Dear Heberle family,
What a great guy Karl was! We bought many cars from him and he was so so nice. RIP Karl , you were loved much and will be missed greatly! I can still see you smiling!
Bill and Joby
Steve Zumpf says
My condolences to the Heberle family. Karl always treated me well and made me feel welcome.
Bill Oftedal says
Karl was a friend–over the years he sold us many vehicles. He was very professional and was always there when we needed him. He’ll be missed by many. . .
Joby Parker says
Heberle family,
Deepest condolences on the passing of Karl. Bill and I bought our cars for many years from Karl. He was such a great guy and we will all miss his sweet smile and friendly nature. RIP Karl, you will be greatly missed by many!
Bill and Joby Parker
Randy Durr says
A Forsyth legend, great friend, great golfer, and fantastic human being. It was my honor to know you Karl! RIP, you lived a wonderful full life!
Evangeline Solis says
To the Heberle Family My Daddy was Francis Ant and he sure cared about All the Brothers especially Karl and Elmer. I was a kid when I first met All of them. We always had to go Forsyth so My Daddy could visit and make a deal on his trucks. They All were such caring and friendly people. Karl would always tell my Daddy “Okay you can drive a truck out of the showroom and he actually did one time.” Prayers for His Family. He joined his Dad and his Family that has already crossed over. Rest in Peace 💙🙏🏽🥺 Evangeline Ant-Solis
Gsile Heimbuch says
I was so heartbroken to hear of Karl’s passing. He and Gordon were more than cousins, they were great friends and pilots. They had a lot of conversations about golf, flying and Fords! My deepest sympathies to Rosella , their children and the many family members.
I’m going g to try to come to the service in September and bring Thelma with me. Prayers and comfort to all of you .
Gaile Heimbuch
Ron Marshall says
As a right-out-of college student, I bought my first car from Karl while teaching in Hysham. I think the last time I visited with him was about ten years ago at the June Forsyth Golf Tournament. He was always friendly and willing to have a few words. My prayers go out to his family at this time.
Ron Marshall
Debbie Proulx says
Karlene and family, We’re so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The Peterson and Proulx families.
Karie Linstead says
Karlene and family, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father. He is one of my all time favorite people. Great memories of us flying with him when we were young! For many years I would go to Forsyth to buy my cars from Karl as he was always a fair and honest man. Everytime I went to Forsyth I made it a point to see him. Your dad is a real Forsyth legend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 🙏💔🙏
Karie Weamer Linstead
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Condolences to Karl’s family, he will be missed.