John Erhard, 89, of Libby

John Allen Erhard, 89, died Nov. 11, 2014, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. He was born in Libby on July 23, 1925, to John George Erhard and Gladis Hall Erhard. 

John grew up in Libby and went to live in Havre during his junior year of high school to help his aunt and uncles on the farm. John finished high school at Havre High and went on to take classes at Northern Montana College. John remained on the ranch where he farmed and raised cattle for the next 42 years. He retired and moved to Libby in 1982. He opened a welding shop and made custom iron gates, railings and artistic welding. 

John loved farming, fishing, picking huckleberries, hunting, and being in Montana. He was a pistol marksman, for which he received many awards. He also was an artist. He loved to oil paint and make custom metal art.

He is survived by his wife Nancy (Robinson) Erhard; daughter Jackie (Jim) Shaffer; 

John is survived by three siblings: Herman Erhard, Bill Erhard and Betty Cooper. He was preceded in death by six siblings: George Lincoln, Jimmy, Albert, Karl, Mary Ellen and Georgiana.

Survivors also include two children, four grandchildren; son Doug (Shelly Swanson) Erhard – three children, five grandchildren; daughter Sherrie (Greg) Myers – two children, four grandchildren; son John Erhard – two children; son Rory Erhard (Dawna Brinkel) – two children, one grandchild. 

A potluck celebration was held on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, at the Fisher River Fire Department.  Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory in Libby. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.