He grew up on a farm on the Yellowstone River just outside of Sidney and was educated nearby at the Hardy School. Don’s family moved into town around the time he started at Sidney High School where he graduated in 1957. He enjoyed his early years and loved to tell stories about helping his dad on the farm, setting traplines along the river, fishing, hunting, and playing football at Sidney High. Don’s love of the outdoors endured throughout his life. Some of his greatest joys were camping, hunting, fishing, boating and exploring the woods with his children and grandchildren. Don served in the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1960.
On December 19, 1959, Don married the love of his life, his “sweetie”, Ardyce Danielson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sidney. They had two boys, Steven and Jason. He worked at Weissman’s Hardware briefly before landing what was to be his last job at the Kalispell Water Department where he worked until his health failed.
He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church and served as an elder. Don also volunteered at the Community Kitchen in Kalispell for several years where he purchased, prepared, and served meals each month. In 2002, Don and Ardyce began spending winters in Arizona and summers at their cabin on Bitterroot Lake. Don cherished his time at the lake with family and friends sharing food, laughs, and stories by the water. In Arizona, Don and Ardyce were active in the SVE Tennis Club and Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church. They were blessed to make many wonderful friendships within and beyond their tennis and church communities. In his later years, Don delighted in playing cards or having a meal with family and friends while enjoying his trademark “red beer”.
Don was preceded in passing to his eternal home with God by his parents, Mike and Mabel, and brothers Steve, Alvin and Allen.
He is survived by his wife Ardyce; children Steve (Margie) Herman, Jason (Angela) Herman; five grandchildren Thomas, Mark, Sydney, AJ and Jack; four great-grandchildren Taylor, Blayke, Greyson and Lena; and brothers Richard (Marva) and Jerry (Maryann).
Burial will take place in Kalispell, MT in spring 2024. May we all remember his quick smile, heartfelt laughs and warm hugs.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Herman family.
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