William Hergert

William Hergert

100, of Libby

William F. “Bill” Hergert beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, passed away in Libby Care Center on Feb. 14, 2016, at age 100. He was born to Maria and John Hergert on Nov. 23, 1915, in St. Maries, Idaho, where he lived until age 16, at which time the family moved to Spokane, Wash. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School then put himself through Washington State College graduating with a BS in Mining and Metallurgy. Over the next 40 years he worked as a mining engineer and research metallurgist, first in the war effort followed by 11 years with the Bureau of Mines, and finally in the defense industry, which included Hughes Aircraft, Lockheed, and ITTJennings. 

In 1942 he married Evelyn “Evie” Fridley in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and they had one daughter, Marta. Bill and Evie had been married almost 60 years when she passed away in 2001. They lived in Michigan, Oregon, Kentucky, California, Arizona and Texas. In their retirement, they enjoyed traveling overseas to visit their daughter and family in Singapore, Indonesia and Japan. After losing Evie, Bill lived with his daughter and son-in-law. He came with them to Libby in 2012 when they retired here. Until a year ago he had been living at Treasure Manor. He enjoyed the independence, the friendly people and the view of the mountains from his window.  

Bill will be remembered for dedication to his family, his friendly personality, his innovative scientific mind and his many stories about life in the first half of the 20th century, but he will be remembered most for his kindness.  

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother John; wife Evie and sisters Pauline and Margaret. 

He is survived by his daughter Marta and her husband Dave Watson of Libby; granddaughter Sara and her husband Raj; grandson Mike and his wife Lynn; four very beloved great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

 His family adored him and are thankful for his long life. They wish to extend their deep gratitude to the staff of Libby Care Center for the loving care they provided in Bill’s last year. 

At his request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be made to Libby Volunteer Ambulance., 307 Montana Ave., Libby MT 59923. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.