Fredrick Jay Hersel
Fredrick Jay Hersel, 80, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sept. 24, 2024, in Frenchglen, Oregon.
Born to Henry “Red” and Dorothy Hersel in Portland, Oregon on Feb. 4, 1944, he was the second of four children.
Fred grew up in the Portland area. He attended Parkrose High School, where he first met Cynthia Knight, his future wife. Their story took a pause while he served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman from 1961-1967.
After his military service, Fred worked as a boilermaker welder for Local 500 out of Portland, often working jobs that took him all over the United States. In-between work travels, he reconnected with Cynthia, and they were wed. Together, they raised three children, Lisa, Kim and Jeff. They shared over 20 years before Cynthia tragically passed in 1989.
Fred always missed Oregon, but he also loved Montana and called Libby home for over 35 years. Fred liked John Wayne movies, classic musicals and collecting rooster décor. He also enjoyed cooking and baking, for gatherings he was always asked to make his famous potato salad and sandies cookies.
Outside of the kitchen, Fred enjoyed fishing, boating, shooting trap, camping and 4-wheeler rides— although he amusingly called his 4-wheeler his “scooter.” Fred was still actively doing his favorite things, in fact, he was in his home state and planning to go on a scooter ride with family the day after he passed away.
Libby is also where he met Robin Kendall. He and Robin shared their golden years together and raised one very spoiled wiener dog, Lillie. Fred also gained two adult kids, Rebel and Shane, and several grandchildren with his union with Robin. Robin always affectionately called Fred “Ferdie.”
Together, they enjoyed hosting New Year's Eve parties with friends and family. It was a known fact that they did not always share the same tastes when it came to cooking, and every New Year's Eve there was an unwritten competition between them to see which soup had the least left, Fred’s Clam Chowder or Robin’s Potato.
Family and friends can attest that both were tasty! And both will be missed. Fred and Robin spent 20 years together, and were married, before Robin passed in 2021.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents; wife Cynthia; wife Robin; and brothers Henry and Randy.
Fred is survived by his daughters Lisa Devaney and Kim Contreras, and his son Jeff Hersel, all of Portland, Oregon; his brother Terry Herself of Molalla, Oregon; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grands.
Fred was a generous man, he was always willing to help friends and family.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at Schnackenberg Funeral Home; 422 W. 2nd Street, Libby, Montana. A reception will follow at the American Legion. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, MT.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.